2024 marked North Carolina the most expensive state for healthcare, no doubt due to a widespread lack of transparency in the industry. To combat this ongoing challenge of high costs and behind-the-curtain billing practices, the North Carolina Senate recently passed a comprehensive bill with 44-22 bipartisan approval to increase transparency in health billing.

The bill includes several key provisions:

1. It would require more frequent cost reporting to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
2. It would limit when health care providers can charge “facility fees” based on locations of medical care.
3. It would ban insurance companies from using artificial intelligence as the “sole basis” for denying requests for prior authorization of treatment.

This is only the first step. Top Republicans in the House have introduced their own bill named the “CARE FIRST Act,” aimed at speeding up prior authorization to improve the treatment approval process. 

Every state should make it a priority to call for high quality care that American patients can afford. With inflation putting strains on families already, it is imperative that individuals seeking medical care have access to accurate, transparent prices in order to budget costs. Similarly, they should not have to pay a “facility fee” simply because the hospital or practice they prefer is located somewhere else.

So far, Ohio has implemented a new price transparency law requiring every hospital to post upfront prices in dollars and cents for all services provided. Democrats and Republicans supported the law unanimously, because both parties see how it will drive costs down while helping businesses and workers get better care at the right price.

Solidarity HealthShare is committed to price transparency for patients – one of the many reasons why our Members are able to enjoy lower healthcare costs. We understand and empathize with the majority of Americans who do not want to be surprised upon checkout to find that their prescription, procedure, or checkup cost far more than they expected or are able to pay. 

Please give our Member Development team a call to learn more about how we can help you reach your health goals with affordability and transparency in mind.