LEGISLATURE ACTS TO INCREASE TRANSPARENCY IN HOSPITAL BILLING

Legislative Council greenlights special commission

AUGUSTA – Yesterday, the Legislative Council approved a special study commission to review transparency of hospital bills and increase public access to hospital financial information, health care costs, and quality measures. The idea for the study 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.  These included one charge of $77 for a box of gauze for a patient diagnosed with lung cancer.

“I am delighted the Legislature is acting to lower healthcare costs for Maine people and hold hospitals accountable,” said Senator Geoff Gratwick (D-Bangor), a practicing physician and a supporter of the measure who serves as the Senate Chair of the Insurance and Financial Services Committee. “Consumers can only make informed decisions about their health care if they have accurate information about what they are paying for. Hospitals must make their charges transparent.”

The commission will review and evaluate current data reported by hospitals, including revenue, charges, and quality measures. It will make recommendations about how to standardize reports in an easily understood format for all Mainers.

The commission will submit a report with recommendations to the Health and Human Services Committee and the Insurance and Financial Services Committee on December 4th of this year.

The Legislative Council is comprised of ten legislative leaders, four Republicans and six Democrats.

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