Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) has joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers supporting the Patients Deserve Price Tags Act, which aims to increase transparency in hospital billing. The legislation would require hospitals and health care providers to clearly disclose the costs of procedures, medications, and services before patients receive care.
“The days of hospitals rigging the system to hide prices from patients have to end,” said Senator Moreno. “Ohioans shouldn’t need to break the bank to afford their healthcare, and providers must be transparent about costs. This bill is a critical step toward putting American patients first and ensuring the system works for everyone.”
The proposed act has garnered support across party lines. Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) commented, “Rising health care costs are crushing Americans. Our bipartisan bill makes health care price tags the law of the land so patients and businesses know what they’re paying for in advance—a commonsense step toward a health care system that works better for American families. Let’s get it across the finish line!”
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) added, “Transparency brings accountability, and it’s clearly time for more transparency in health care prices. Our bipartisan legislation is a common-sense solution that will hold health care providers accountable, and it will give Americans the timely and accurate information they need to make the best decisions for them.”
Other senators also voiced support. Senator Jon Husted (R-Ohio) said, “American patients should know up front how much they are going to pay. I’m proud to support the Patients Deserve Price Tags Act to give Ohioans and all Americans greater transparency and certainty about the cost of their care.” Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) stated, “Patients deserve to know costs upfront— it’s that simple. By codifying these transparency requirements, we’re making sure that no future administration can roll back this critical consumer protection. When families can compare prices and make informed decisions about their healthcare, it puts power back where it belongs: in the hands of patients, not bureaucrats or hospital billing departments.”
Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) noted issues with current systems: “Obamacare screwed up our entire healthcare system,” he said. “As a result, it’s nearly impossible for Americans to get a straightforward quote on how much a procedure is going to cost. Patients should be able to know upfront exactly how much they will be paying. President Trump has done his part via Executive Order—now it’s Congress’ turn to do our job. I’m proud to join Sen. Marshall in introducing this meaningful legislation.”
Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) pointed out challenges facing her constituents: “Wisconsinites are struggling to afford their health care, and we need to do everything we can to lower costs. Our health care system too often puts profits before patients, and we need to pull the curtain back and let families see the true cost of the care they are getting. I’m proud to work with Republicans and Democrats to bring basic transparency so we can foster competition and lower prices for Wisconsin families.”
“At a time when health care costs are skyrocketing, patients deserve transparency about the true cost of procedures, medications, and services to make informed decisions about their care and their family’s finances,” said Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.). “The Patients Deserve Price Tags Act is common-sense legislation that promotes price transparency, protects patients from overcharges, and allows them to make informed health care decisions.”
Supporters outside Congress have also endorsed the measure as a way of reducing expenses for both consumers and employers nationwide. According to Patient Rights Advocate founder Cynthia Fisher: “The Marshall/Hickenlooper Patients Deserve Price Tags Act will truly transform healthcare to greatly lower costs through consumer empowerment benefiting from price competition and prices protecting from overcharges making hospital and insurance billing be honest.” A separate report by Patient Rights Advocate estimated potential savings could reach up to $1 trillion annually.
James Gelfand of ERIC praised Senators Marshall and Hickenlooper’s efforts: “We applaud Senators Marshall and Hickenlooper for their ongoing commitment… Strong transparency requirements of providers… will empower workers and their families… helping ease pressures health care costs have on employers and workers alike.”
Kevin Lyons from New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association commented on labor negotiations: “Price transparency starts with clear, accessible information… Real transparency… is essential in helping unions make informed negotiations on behalf of workers…”
Sophia Tripoli at Families USA argued that secrecy enables higher charges by large hospital corporations: “This robust, pro-consumer bipartisan legislation will ensure that every family in America knows exactly how much a big hospital will charge them before they receive medical care… The Patients Deserve Price Tags Act would bring much needed transparency…”
If enacted into law, this bill would require real-time publication of upfront healthcare prices throughout the industry so individuals could compare options prior to treatment or services being provided; mandate itemized billing; block actions when bills exceed published rates; direct insurers or plans provide advance explanations detailing expected out-of-pocket costs.
Senator Moreno joins several other lawmakers—including Senators Jon Husted (R-Ohio), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.)—as cosponsors on this bipartisan initiative.
