Support H.R. 5378 -Lower Health Costs, More Transparency Act

I am writing as a concerned constituent who strongly supports H.R. 5378, the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act. I appreciate your commitment to addressing the critical issue of healthcare pricing transparency. The proposed bill is undoubtedly a positive step forward, but I urge you to consider the inclusion of additional provisions to fortify its impact and bring about meaningful change in the lives of your constituents. Specifically, the following key enhancements: Centralized Healthcare Pricing Database: A centralized database would provide a one-stop solution for consumers seeking pricing information. Including ALL possible services or charges. Regular Updates and Maintenance: Regularly updating the database is vital for its relevance. Consumers must access real-time information to make informed decisions. Your support for provisions mandating regular updates would be pivotal. Enhanced Clarity in Pricing Information: Ensure that pricing information is presented in a clear, understandable format, possibly with standardized terminology and language to facilitate easy comparison between different providers. Real-Time Pricing Updates: Implement mechanisms for real-time updates to pricing information, ensuring that consumers have the most current and accurate details, considering that healthcare costs can vary. Integration with Other Platforms: Exploring integration with health insurance portals and third-party applications would create a seamless experience for consumers. This interconnectedness could revolutionize how individuals engage with their healthcare pricing information. Government Oversight: Establishing regulatory bodies or mechanisms to oversee the database's operations will reinforce its credibility. Consumers need assurance that the information provided is accurate and compliant with all relevant standards. Feedback Mechanism: Including a consumer feedback portal within the database demonstrates your commitment to continuous improvement. Rigorous Penalties for Non-Compliance: Advocate for stringent penalties for ambulatory surgical centers that fail to comply with the transparency requirements. This approach is vital to ensure the effectiveness of the legislation in promoting adherence across the healthcare sector. Civil Monetary Penalties: Reinforce the civil monetary penalty structure outlined in the bill, emphasizing its pivotal role in compelling compliance. By imposing financial consequences for non-compliance, the legislation will be a potent tool to encourage adherence to the new transparency requirements.. Protection Against Surprise Billing: Address and prevent surprise medical billing by ensuring that consumers are informed about potential out-of-network services and associated costs in advance. By integrating these suggestions into the legislation, you have the opportunity to further elevate H.R. 5378, and set a new standard for transparency and accountability in the healthcare sector.