The states that received an “A,” do so because they provide “detailed pricing on a variety of procedures through easy-to-use public websites, backed by rich data sources,” the groups said. Colorado, Maine and New Hampshire each earned an “A” for their efforts. Oregon earned a “B” for its efforts to improve its price transparency after failing last year and previous years. Vermont and Virginia each earned a grade of “C” while Arkansas was awarded a “D.”
Bruce Japsen, Forbes, Contributor
Jul 26, 2016 @ 08:20 AM – There are 43 states that fail to adequately make healthcare price information available to consumers despite pressure from employers and policymakers for greater transparency, a new analysis shows.
Just six states earn a passing grade of a C or better and a seventh state gets a D when it comes to price transparency, according to the latest analysis from the nonprofit undefinedHealth Care Incentives Improvement Institute and Catalyst for Payment Reform.
The annual “Report Card on State Price Transparency Laws” is important because millions more Americans have coverage thanks to the Affordable Care Act. But those obtaining this new coverage as well as those who have long had insurance are seeing their out-of-pocket costs rise and they need better information on what the true cost of healthcare is.
