Trump Cracks Down On Hidden Medical Costs With Price Transparency Order

President Donald Trump has taken a bold step toward ending secretive healthcare pricing, signing an executive order that mandates hospitals and insurers fully disclose costs to patients before treatment. The order aims to eliminate hidden charges and give consumers the ability to make informed healthcare decisions.

The new directive requires federal agencies to develop strict enforcement measures within 90 days. The Departments of Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services will be responsible for ensuring compliance, holding hospitals and insurers accountable for making pricing information easily accessible.

Americans have consistently voiced their frustration with opaque healthcare pricing. One survey found that 92% of Americans want hospitals and insurance companies to provide real prices upfront. Another study indicated that 95% of Americans see price transparency as a key priority, given the rising costs of medical care.

Despite widespread public support, healthcare industry leaders have resisted these measures, arguing that revealing negotiated rates could impact competition. Trump, however, has made it clear that transparency is a necessity, not an option. “It’s been unpopular in some circles because people make less money, but it’s great for the patient,” he said while signing the order.

Economic projections indicate that making healthcare prices public could result in massive savings. Analysts estimate that patients, businesses, and insurers could save up to $80 billion annually by allowing price shopping for procedures and medications. Employers could also cut costs by 27% on common healthcare services by comparing rates across different providers.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy called the move a significant victory for patients, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to transparency. The Biden administration had previously been criticized for failing to enforce existing price disclosure rules, and Trump’s order signals that the era of hidden healthcare costs is coming to an end.

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