Former U.S. President Donald Trump took a major step toward making healthcare prices more transparent. On Tuesday, he signed an executive order that requires hospitals and insurance companies to reveal actual medical costs instead of estimates.
This new order builds on one he signed in 2019 during his first term. Now, the Departments of Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services have 90 days to create a plan to enforce the rules. Their job is to make sure medical prices are clear, standardized, and easily available for all patients.
Many people struggle to understand healthcare costs before getting treatment. Often, hospitals and insurers keep pricing details hidden, making it hard to compare options. With this new order, they will have to provide clear and accurate pricing information.
The government agencies involved must also update or create new rules to ensure hospitals and insurers follow these guidelines. Strict enforcement policies will be put in place to guarantee compliance.
While signing the order, Trump said that keeping healthcare costs hidden has been a problem for a long time.
“You’re not allowed to even talk about it when you’re going to a hospital or see a doctor,” he told reporters.
He acknowledged that some businesses might not like the change because it could reduce their profits. However, he emphasized that it is a positive move for patients who deserve to know what they are paying for.
This order could help millions of Americans make better financial decisions about their healthcare. By knowing the real costs upfront, patients can compare prices and choose the most affordable options.
If successfully enforced, this change could lead to lower medical costs, more competition among healthcare providers, and a better system overall for patients.