Researchers reveal some hospitals are not fully complying with federal price transparency rules, impacting patients’ ability to compare costs.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hospital bills are confusing enough, but a new report shared by NBC News reveals that some hospitals may be deliberately making the situation worse by bending federal price transparency rules designed to help patients. Let’s connect the dots.
The findings raise red flags about hospital billing practices across the country, with researchers suggesting that some health care facilities aren’t properly following laws meant to protect consumers from surprise medical costs.
Since 2021, hospitals have been legally required to publicly list their prices, giving patients the ability to compare costs before receiving care. However, the reality on the ground tells a different story.
Researchers have discovered that many hospitals are either completely ignoring these rules or posting price lists that are incomplete and confusing to navigate.
The scope of the problem is staggering. One federal review found nearly 40% of hospitals weren’t fully compliant with the transparency requirements.
Health care advocates argue this non-compliance makes it nearly impossible for patients to shop around for better prices, while simultaneously making it easier for hospitals to overcharge for services.
Some are even using third-party debt collectors to sue patients, making it harder to dispute incorrect bills.
Experts warn the current system creates a power imbalance that heavily favors hospitals over patients, leaving Americans stuck with enormous medical bills and very little recourse to challenge questionable charges.
In response to these findings, patient advocacy groups and health care policy experts are calling for immediate action. Their recommendations include better enforcement of existing laws, stronger oversight mechanisms, and the development of a fairer system that actually puts price transparency into practice.
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