Legislative Update January 23, 2024

Important Information for Employers New Draft Bill Will Lower Costs and Protect Employers and All Consumers With Systemwide Health Care Price Transparency!

The Braun-Sanders Senate Health Care PRICE Transparency Act 2.0, S. 3548 bill, was introduced in the U.S. Senate on December 14th. Sen. Braun of Indiana is the key sponsor and is joined by Sen. Cassidy and Sen. Sanders. It is key that this bill is bipartisan.

Senate Bill

Braun Bill as of Dec. 14, 2023

Of note, see that Section 7 addresses employer access to data, including the 835/837 files, as follows: Hospitals are required to post all upfront prices online (Hospital Price Transparency Rule, 1/1/21). Health insurance companies and employer plans must publicly post all actual negotiated prices systemwide (The Transparency in Coverage Rule, 7/1/22). Insurance companies and brokers must reveal all historical claims data, broker fees and eliminate gag clauses, and hospitals must not balance bill patients (The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 12/26/21).

MBGH will keep you informed as these issues progress!