CMS Deputy Chief Operating Officer John Czajkowski | cms.gov/about-cms/leadership/deputy-chief-operating-officer
The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury have announced measures to enhance healthcare price transparency. This initiative is part of President Trump's directive to provide Americans with clear and actionable information about healthcare costs.
The departments have issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking public input on improving prescription drug price transparency. The RFI focuses on prescription drug price disclosure requirements, including existing data elements and implementation issues like health plans' access to necessary reporting data. It also considers state approaches and innovations in this area.
Additionally, updated guidance has been released for health plans and issuers, setting a clear date for publishing disclosures in an enhanced technical format. These changes aim to eliminate redundant data and simplify cost information for consumers.
"Transparency empowers individuals to make well-informed health care decisions for themselves and their families," said Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling. "The departments’ actions today execute President Trump’s mission to address rising health care costs by promoting competition in the marketplace."
In a separate move, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released new guidance on the Hospital Price Transparency resources website. This guidance requires hospitals to post actual prices of items and services rather than estimates. CMS has also issued its own RFI to gather feedback on boosting hospital compliance and ensuring accurate data sharing.
"Transparency in health care is essential, not optional," said CMS Chief of Staff and Deputy Administrator Stephanie Carlton. "Americans deserve to know exactly what they’re paying for and what they’re getting in return."
These efforts align with Executive Order 14221, which directs the Secretaries of Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services to build on transparency regulations initiated during President Trump's first term.
Today's actions will strengthen two key regulatory frameworks: The Transparency in Coverage final regulations require public posting of in-network rates, out-of-network allowed amounts, billed charges, and negotiated prices for prescription drugs. The Hospital Price Transparency final regulations mandate hospitals publicly post standard charges in an easy-to-understand format.
By making pricing data more accessible and accurate, these steps aim to reduce healthcare costs, promote competition, and empower patients. The Trump administration remains committed to delivering a transparent, affordable, patient-centered healthcare system as part of its mission to make America healthy again.
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