Assemblymember Roger Hernandez announced the introduction of AB 1558. This bill would ensure public access to comprehensive and uniform information on healthcare costs and prices via a website while protecting patient confidentiality and respecting providers of care.
“It is very crucial and of the utmost importance that Californians have access to health-care cost data across the state. In recent years, the cost of health care has risen significantly and many families do not have the expertise or knowledge on the cost of any health procedure.” stated Hernandez.
AB 1558 addresses the need for price transparency for consumers on health related expenses. This bill makes readily available information on costs of medical procedures and what consumers can expect to pay for those services. With access to this information, consumers are able to get a better assessment of their health care need and possibly negotiate any discounts that may apply. All-payer Claims Databases have been established in several states including: Maine, Colorado, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Kansas.
“Families are in need. They are in need of opportunities to negotiate better pricing for procedures that would otherwise hinder their financial situation. This bill provides consumers with the necessary tools to find out actual pricing and discounts applied to health related services,” said Hernandez.
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