Legislation to Require Hospital Price Transparency Passed by the General Assembly

COLUMBUS –The Ohio General Assembly unanimously passed House Bill 173 this week, which included House Bill 49, joint sponsored by State Representatives Ron Ferguson (R-Wintersville) and Tim Barhorst (R-Fort Loramie). The language from HB 49 will increase hospital price transparency and reduce the cost of healthcare in Ohio.

“For far too long, consumers and patients have been forced to make tough financial decisions because hospital systems lacked transparency about the cost of services,” said Barhorst. “Today, we are one signature away from protecting against sticker shock for medical care. It’s common sense—Ohioans should have the power to know how much they’ll pay before making crucial medical decisions. This is a huge victory for patients across our state given Ohio will be the first in the nation for these prices to be available in dollars and cents.”

Only 20-25% of the largest hospital systems in the United States are deemed compliant with federal transparency requirements. Ferguson and Barhorst want to standardize all hospitals in Ohio, making their charges public. 

“This is a great day for patients and consumers in the state of Ohio,” said Ferguson.  “Our hospitals deliver some of the best medical care in the country, but that does not justify ignoring federal law to protect profits. We are ensuring that hospitals follow federal law is in the best interest of Ohioans, who ultimately bear the burden of over-priced healthcare in the form of higher taxes, lower wages, and out-of-pocket spending.”

House Bill 173 now awaits the Governor’s signature.