[20150819]IF10282_私人健康保险市场的价格透明度.pdf

https:/crsreports.congress.gov August 19, 2015Price Transparency in the Private Health Insurance MarketDo Consumers Know How Much Health Care Services Cost? Unlike virtually all other services, consumers typically receive health care without knowing its price. Providers often do not disclose how much they charge, and consumers often receive pricing information only after the bill arrives. Even if a consumer seeks out information to make price comparisons, geographic variations and differences in quality of service make comparisons challenging. Prices may even vary based on who is paying the bill (health plans or consumers). Given the uncertainty around health care prices, there has been a push toward filling the price information gap through price transparency. What Is Price Transparency? Price transparency is the practice of making information on the price of health care services readily available. That information should be clear, relevant, and accessible to help consumers make informed decisions. Why Is There Uncertainty Around Health Care Prices? The mystery surrounding health care prices stems partly from the multiple payers in the health care system (provider, health plan, a