Kentucky congressman says health care transparency bill would create better marketplace

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Congress wants to require hospitals to tell patients the cost of their procedure before they receive care, which could change the way every American pays for health care.

The "Lower Costs, More Transparency Act," H.R. 5378, is a wide-reaching piece of health care legislation, but members of Congress said the overall goal is to make the U.S. health care industry more transparent.

A large part of the proposal would require hospitals to quote a patient's procedure ahead of time. That could mean they would have the option to "shop around" before they move forward.

Another measure included in the act would reveal the real costs of prescription drugs. Right now, prices are negotiated with insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the act on Monday. Kentucky Rep. Brett Guthrie, who represents the Bowling Green area and is the chair of the Health Subcommittee on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, helped champion the bill. He said it's going to help create a better marketplace.

"Let's see the prices and see if other people can come in and provide it (at) a better cost. And if that's the case, we're gonna see more choices, we're gonna see less price, and we're gonna see consumers better satisfied," Guthrie, R-District 2, said.

If the legislation passes, Guthrie said the government can then make educated decisions on federal spending in the health care industry in the future.

The bill would also provide money to support rural health care providers to keep the doors open, as well as money to try and relieve the doctor shortage.

Guthrie believes it could pass the Senate and head to President Joe Biden's desk come January.

To read more about the legislation, click here.