Saving Money and Saving Lives

Saving Money and Saving Lives

Imagine waking up in pain. Not chronic pain, though – this is new. You’re concerned, but think you can tough it out. Still, concern lingers: What if it’s serious. You want to get checked out, but your insurance plan makes you hesitate. The cost is frightening. You’re in pain, you’re scared, and you don’t know what to do.

For many, this scenario isn’t imaginary – it’s very real. A recent survey found that nearly three out of four Wisconsinites believe their out-of-pocket health costs are unaffordable. One solution? Transparency. When hospitals clearly share pricing information, patients can make informed decisions, trust in the system grows, and costs come down naturally. The Trump Administration realized this in 2019 and took steps to require hospitals to share their prices with the public. To build on that, I’ve authored a bill with Senator Mary Felzkowski and Representative Bob Wittke to make sure our state reaps the benefits of these reforms.

Here’s how it works: Hospitals must share pricing information for at least 300 common, shoppable services (80% of healthcare goods and services fall into this category). If a hospital offers fewer than 300, it must list all available services. This list must be free to access, available at all times in a machine-readable format, and clearly displayed on the hospital’s website —no accounts, passwords or technical experience needed. Everything would be in plain language so patients understand what they’re paying for.

These reforms will help patients make informed decisions – and those decisions can make a big difference. For instance, a search on Turquoise Health for a CT scan (without insurance) within 50 miles of New Berlin generates thirty-one results and a price range that stretches from $1,293 to $4,051. That’s a lot of money!

Critics might argue that price data is already available online. Others believe that the Trump Administration’s pro-transparency actions at the federal level are all that’s needed. Problem solved, right?

Not by a long shot. While the Trump administration took an important – and historic – first step (and doubled down with an executive order earlier this year), we still need something permanent. A law will guarantee state level enforcement so patients and businesses aren’t left in the dark. That means we’ve got work to do – and I believe that hospitals can be our partners in this. We know and appreciate how hard doctors, nurses, and other front-line medical personnel work for us. This is about finding a win for everyone.

Wisconsin must take the lead in enforcing transparency. In addition to consumers like you and me, businesses, which face rising healthcare costs, also stand to benefit. A Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce survey found that business owners rank healthcare affordability as the most critical factor for improving the state’s business climate. A prominent study indicates that price transparency could reduce healthcare costs for common services by up to 27%.

This bill empowers patients, fosters fair competition, strengthens market efficiency, and restores trust in our healthcare system. If enacted, it won’t just save money—it could save lives by ensuring that cost is no longer a barrier to seeking care.