SB 95 – You deserve to know what your hospital bill will cost
SB 95 – You deserve to know what your hospital bill will cost
The cost of healthcare has climbed for years. We are spending more on healthcare than ever before, yet for many Michiganders, access to care remains out of reach.
The drivers behind rising costs are multifaceted, but one thing is apparent: Patients need to know their options before they arrive at the doctor’s office, and they need to know what those options will cost. Price transparency would put the full cost of care out in the open, so you know what you are paying for before receiving a service. This empowers patients and puts pressure on providers to offer the best care at the best price.
Congress and the president have taken bipartisan steps to promote healthcare price transparency, but states have an important role to play as well. That is why I introduced Senate Bill 95, critical legislation designed to strengthen transparency requirements in Michigan and provide patients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health.
Why is this reform important to you?
- Patients deserve straightforward access to pricing information for healthcare services. Cost information should be clear, concise and easy to understand. Patients should never face a hidden charge or unexpected billing surprise when accessing care.
- Price disclosure can help shield patients from unforeseen medical expenses that can lead to financial hardship and, in the most extreme circumstances, long-term medical debt.
- Pricing information allows patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare, empowering them to compare costs between healthcare settings and medical services, just as they would for everyday goods and services. Competition can help drive down costs, but without price transparency, the market cannot self-regulate.
- Senate Bill 95 would create transparency through a simple new rule: If providers want to be paid for a medical service they provide, they need to disclose the cost up front.
Your voice is important to me and necessary to getting work done in Lansing. As your state senator, I want to know your thoughts on my plan to ensure medical price transparency in Michigan. Please fill out the form below. I look forward to reading your thoughts.