COMMISSION TO INCREASE TRANSPARENCY IN HEALTHCARE COSTS TO COMPLETE WORK ON WEDNESDAY
Will finalize recommendations at last meeting
AUGUSTA—A special study commission to explore the transparency of hospital billing and increase public access to hospital financial information and health care costs will finalize its recommendations at its last meeting on Wednesday, November 20 at 10:00 a.m.
The commission is considering several proposals, including requiring health care entities to post price lists for their top 50 procedures costing more than $50, and requiring providers to give estimates for non-emergency services.
“When you go to the doctor or hospital, you should know what you’re paying for,” said Democratic Senator Geoff Gratwick of Bangor, a practicing physician who sponsored the original bill to create the commission and serves as the Senate chair. “People need information about costs to make informed decisions about their health care.”
The idea for the commission was prompted in part by a recent report by Time Magazine that revealed exorbitant medical costs hidden in bills from hospitals in Maine and other states, including $77 for a box of gauze for a patient diagnosed with lung cancer.
“Maine people need and deserve information that will inform their health care decisions. Information on costs is a crucial part of that,” said Democratic Representative Drew Gattine of Westbrook, the House Chair of the commission, and a healthcare executive with more than 20 years of experience helping state Medicaid agencies manage their programs. “It’s complicated for consumers because providers and insurance companies hide basic information about price. The cost even for basic health care procedures can vary depending on the hospital, doctor, and insurance company.”
A recent federal report found that there is significant variation in prices for the same medical procedures at different hospitals. Here in Maine, for example, the report noted that the average price of pneumonia treatment is $20,058 at York Hospital, but only $5,402 at Northern Maine Medical Center in Fort Kent.
“Why would the same treatment cost four times as much at a different hospital?” asked Democratic Senator Colleen Lachowicz of Waterville, a social worker who serves on the commission. “Before we can reduce healthcare costs, we need to know what we are paying for, and why.”
The commission will submit a report with recommendations to the Health and Human Services Committee and the Insurance and Financial Services Committee on December 4.
WHO: Commission to Study Transparency, Costs, and Accountability of Health Care System Financing
WHAT: Final Commission Meeting
WHEN: Wednesday, November 20 at 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Room 209 of the Cross Office Building
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