Alright, folks, let’s talk about something that affects every single American—healthcare costs. You go to the doctor, you get treated, and then weeks later, boom—a bill shows up that looks like it was written in some secret medical code, with numbers that make no sense. Ever wonder why that is? Well, former President Donald Trump just took another swing at fixing it.
On Tuesday, Trump signed an executive order aimed at reinforcing his 2019 healthcare price transparency rule. That original order was supposed to pull back the curtain on the deeply hidden costs of medical care, forcing hospitals and insurers to lay their pricing cards on the table. But as with many government initiatives, enforcement has been a bit… let’s just say, lackluster. So now, Trump’s back at it, directing the Departments of Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services to step up and make sure these rules are actually followed.
Let’s break this down. The order gives these agencies 90 days to figure out exactly how they’re going to enforce the 2019 rule. This means:
- Hospitals and insurers must disclose real, actual prices—not vague estimates or confusing ranges.
- Pricing information needs to be standardized, so consumers aren’t left deciphering a financial puzzle.
- Enforcement must be real—no more empty threats, but actual consequences for non-compliance.
When signing the order, Trump didn’t hold back. “You’re not allowed to even talk about it when you’re going to a hospital or see a doctor. And this allows you to go out and talk about it,” he told reporters. His point? The secrecy in healthcare pricing benefits hospitals and insurers, not patients. And, as he bluntly put it, some people aren’t happy about this move—because it means they’ll be making less money.
Now, let’s talk about why this transparency push has been such a battle. Hospitals and insurers have fought tooth and nail against it, arguing that being forced to reveal negotiated prices with insurers is unfair. Their claim? It messes with competition and, oddly enough, violates their First Amendment rights. (Yes, you read that right—they’re saying they have a constitutional right not to tell you how much they charge for services.) The courts, however, didn’t buy that argument, ruling in favor of transparency.
Trump’s 2019 order already required hospitals to display pricing for at least 300 common services in a consumer-friendly format. It also forced insurance companies to share their negotiated rates and out-of-network costs, along with the actual prices paid for prescription drugs. But many hospitals and insurers have been slow to comply—or have simply ignored the rule—leading to this new push for tougher enforcement.
Bottom line? If this order is effectively enforced, it could be a game-changer for consumers. Imagine knowing exactly what a procedure will cost before stepping into a hospital—like any other major purchase you make. Sounds like common sense, right? Well, in the world of American healthcare, common sense often gets lost in the fine print.
So, will this move finally force hospitals and insurers to play fair? That remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: the fight for price transparency isn’t over yet. Stay tuned.
