More Indiana hospitals are complying with the federal hospital price transparency rule as enforcement has increased.
A report by Patient Rights Advocate found 70% of Indiana hospitals are fully complying with the federal rule that went into effect five years ago. Only 11% complied in 2024.
In a new report, Patient Rights Advocate examined 2,000 hospitals' compliance with the federal rule in a new report and found a 28% increase nationwide amid a major increase in federal enforcement. The federal government has fined 28 hospitals for not being transparent with pricing and sent warning letters to more than 500 hospitals.
Hospitals could face up to $2 million in fines if they don't comply.
Patient Rights Advocate found that only 49.4% of hospitals nationally were compliant, but that 32 out of 46 hospitals in Indiana followed the rules, including posting pricing for the public to see. The nonprofit says consumers still only have limited access to actual, usable prices, since hospitals tend to use percentages and algorithms instead of dollar-and-cents prices, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
“CMS has made progress enforcing its hospital transparency rules, but this report shows that most hospitals still owe patients clear, usable dollars-and-cents prices they can look up before receiving care. Too many patients are still being denied the real, upfront prices they need to shop for affordable care and protect themselves from overcharges," Patient Rights Advocate Founder and Chairman Cynthia Fisher said. "When patients have access to real dollar-and-cents prices, they can shop as informed consumers, spot wide price variation, and be protected from overcharges. We commend the Trump Administration and Congress for their continued efforts to make real prices available to every patient, employer, union, and taxpayer, and look forward to the day when clear, usable prices will be the standard nationwide.”
