Washington, D.C. - House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) expressed her enthusiasm for the passage of the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act during a press conference hosted by House Republican Leadership. The act aims to drive down the price of healthcare for patients through increased price transparency.
In her remarks, Chair Rodgers highlighted the significance of price transparency, stating that it is something that 95 percent of Americans support. She emphasized that the act empowers patients and employers to make informed decisions about their healthcare by providing accurate information about the cost of care, treatment, and services.
Chair Rodgers shared stories of individuals who experienced financial hardships due to unexpected healthcare costs. She mentioned a person whose out-of-pocket costs increased dramatically after their doctor's office was purchased by a hospital system, as well as a woman who received bills totaling $11,000 more than the original quote. Chair Rodgers emphasized that the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act is designed to help patients like them and is a major bipartisan victory for the American people.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) also spoke about the importance of the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act, expressing his gratitude to Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers and the Energy and Commerce Committee for their leadership on the issue. He acknowledged the financial struggles faced by American families, who are already spending an additional $15,000 annually to afford basic goods. Speaker Johnson highlighted the need to address the inefficiencies and unaffordability of the healthcare system.
The Lower Costs, More Transparency Act is a broad, bipartisan piece of legislation that aims to provide patients with accurate and transparent information about the costs and care of prescription drugs. It also supports community health care centers and preserves Medicaid for hospitals serving rural communities. The bill expands access to generics and lowers out-of-pocket costs for seniors. Speaker Johnson emphasized that the entire package is fully offset, reducing the deficit by over $700 million.
House Republicans are committed to making healthcare more affordable and transparent while ensuring fiscal responsibility and improved care for constituents. The passage of the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act is seen as a significant step towards achieving these goals.
For more information about the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act, readers can visit the provided links to read a section-by-section summary of the bill and access the bill text.
Contact information:
Main: (202) 225-3641
Press: (202) 226-4972
Click this link to access more information: https://energycommerce.house.gov/posts/chair-rodgers-health-care-price-transparency-will-make-a-meaningful-difference-for-patients
