‍

Abstract

‍

Background:
While healthcare spending in the United States remains high relative to other nations, research suggests this is driven more by elevated prices than by usage rates. Recent federal initiatives—namely, Hospital Price Transparency (HPT) since January 2021 and Transparency in Coverage (TIC) since July 2022—mandate the public release of prices for common, "shoppable" medical services, aiming to enhance consumer decision-making and market competition.

‍

Objective:
This study evaluates whether U.S. adults are aware of their ability to access hospital price data before care and whether they actively use that information; it also assesses public support for stricter enforcement of transparency rules.

‍

Methods:
Researchers analyzed data from a weighted, nationally representative survey conducted by Gallup in collaboration with West Health Institute between November 2023 and January 2024. It included over 5,000 U.S. adults and assessed awareness, usage, and enforcement preferences concerning price transparency.

‍

Results:

• Awareness: Only 27% of respondents knew hospitals are required to post service prices online. Awareness was lower among men (23%) than women (30%) and consistent across age and racial groups.
• Use: A mere 19% had ever looked up healthcare prices prior to receiving services. Younger adults (ages 18–29) were more proactive (29%) compared to older adults (ages 65 and over: 11%).
• Enforcement Sentiment: 78% supported stronger penalties against non-compliant hospitals. Conversely, only 26% favored extending timelines for hospitals to comply with transparency requirements.
  

‍

Conclusions:
Despite mandates making healthcare prices more available, a large portion of the population remains unaware and does not utilize these data. However, there is robust public demand for accountability, with most respondents endorsing stricter enforcement. The authors recommend stronger CMS enforcement and heightened public education on price transparency to amplify the value of these initiatives.

‍

Full Article: https://www.i-jmr.org/2024/1/e64439