Legislators at both the city and state levels are striking a blow for patient power and lower health-care prices by requiring hospitals to disclose how much they charge for procedures, just like any other sellers of services. Excellent. The best way to begin bringing down medical costs that are way, way, way, way, way too high is showing the public these prices so, to the extent possible, they can comparison shop.
Health care costs are astronomical, unbelievably opaque, and inconsistent. Hospitals charge insurance plans significantly different amounts for the same basic services. The price of childbirth alone in New York City varies by hospitals and can range from $17,000 to $55,000. Insured patients cover their copay and are unaware of these drastic differences as health plans are stuck footing the bill.