President Donald Trump has signed an executive order demanding full transparency in healthcare pricing, compelling hospitals and insurers to reveal actual costs before treatment. The order requires federal agencies to implement enforcement measures within 90 days, ensuring that Americans have access to clear, upfront pricing for medical services.
This initiative builds upon a 2019 directive that faced resistance from the healthcare industry, which has long kept prices hidden through complex agreements between insurers and hospitals. The order directs the Departments of Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services to enforce strict compliance and prevent further concealment of medical costs.
Public demand for price transparency has been overwhelming. A national poll found that 94% of Americans believe hospitals and insurers should be legally required to disclose pricing, while another survey showed that 95% of respondents consider price transparency a priority issue. The lack of clear pricing has resulted in unexpected bills and higher costs for patients.
"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
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
Opposition from hospital organizations has been fierce. They argue that forcing providers to disclose negotiated rates will disrupt the market. Trump dismissed these concerns, stating that allowing patients to compare costs will drive competition and lower prices. “This is about giving people control over their healthcare choices,” he said while signing the order.
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
Experts estimate that complete enforcement of price transparency regulations could lead to substantial savings. A report projects that transparency could cut healthcare costs by $80 billion annually. Employers could also save up to 27% on routine procedures by shopping for the best rates.
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 called the move a major step forward, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to transparency. The order also ensures that prescription drug pricing follows the same transparency standards, holding insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies accountable.
