President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to enforce healthcare price transparency, requiring hospitals and insurers to fully disclose medical costs as detailed here. The measure is aimed at stopping hidden pricing that has left many Americans struggling with unexpected bills.
The order directs the Departments of Treasury, Labor and Health and Human Services to finalize enforcement plans within 90 days per this report. It builds on a previous effort from Trump’s first term that was met with resistance from the healthcare industry. Now, hospitals and insurers must provide real prices upfront, allowing patients to compare costs before making medical decisions.
"Before you complain about Trump cutting Medicare, libs, think long and hard about how much is going into the millionaires and billionaires that you say you hate so much."@CarlHigbie explains why healthcare price transparency is needed. pic.twitter.com/wpVWiHDOEV
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) February 25, 2025
Surveys have shown overwhelming public support for greater transparency in healthcare pricing. A poll found that 94% of adults believe medical providers should be required to disclose all pricing details, including cash prices and insurance-negotiated rates. Another study revealed that 95% of Americans consider price transparency a priority issue.
Thank you, President Trump, for delivering on your promise to empower patients and lower costs through healthcare price transparency! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/a4cQQjsbdl
— PatientRightsAdvocate.org (@PtRightsAdvoc) February 26, 2025
Hospital groups and insurance companies have fought these regulations, claiming that publishing negotiated rates could hurt competition. Trump dismissed those concerns, stating that his administration is focused on making sure patients have the ability to shop for the best care at the best price. “They’ll be able to check them, compare them, go to different locations, so they can shop for the highest-quality care at the lowest cost,” he said.
PRESIDENT TRUMP SIGNS EO TO MAKE HEALTHCARE PRICES TRANSPARENT @rickdelgadorad reports. “There’s always an issue with prices. Hopefully, this will be one of the solutions as RFK, Jr. begins to take hold of HHS.@slickricksports @damonroberts @lfs6b pic.twitter.com/IAik3rkZHO
— Real America's Voice (RAV) (@RealAmVoice) February 26, 2025
Studies suggest that full implementation of price transparency rules could generate significant savings. One economic analysis found that businesses could lower healthcare expenses by an average of 27% on common medical procedures by taking advantage of price comparison options. The executive order also addresses transparency in prescription drug costs, ensuring that patients have access to clear, upfront pricing.
Trump signs bombshell order set to turn US healthcare on its head
The ruling directs regulators to force healthcare providers and insurers to publicly disclose their prices, the idea being to make it easier for consumers to shop around for better deals.https://t.co/23t62TnaQI pic.twitter.com/9TWzsozMrZ
— Trump2024_no_matter_what (@TexasTrump2024) February 26, 2025
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy praised the order, saying it brings much-needed accountability to the healthcare system. The Biden administration was previously sued for failing to enforce drug price transparency rules, and Trump’s new order now puts hospitals and insurers under strict scrutiny.
