A Michigan Senate bill that was introduced over a year ago by Senator Joe Hune would require hospitals to be more transparent about their pricing.
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The proposed bill would require hospitals in Michigan to post their list of fees for services, procedures and medical suppliers.
The purpose of the bill is to force open-market competition. Hune also thinks that the bill would lead to better outcomes and more responsiveness to needs of patients.
Hospital costs are not often known until after the services are provided.
Many hospitals have argued that they already provide some medical cost data, but Hune does not believe that is enough. He wants mandated transparency.
Some Michigan hospitals post cost and quality data on their websites. Oakwood Healthcare has launched a price website in efforts to be transparent.
Critics of the bill have stated that a mandate is not necessary, and that there is no evidence that this transparency will actually reduce costs.
Hune’s bill would also require hospitals to post a notice telling patients that cost are available. Fines for violations could be $1,000 per day.
Let us know what you think! Should hospitals be required to post their master lists of fees for services, procedures and medical supplies?
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