Bill intended to increase transparency in health care costs on its way to governor

The House passed a bill Tuesday that proponents say would expand transparency for patients looking to save money on health care costs.

Rep. Sarah Anderson

HF3893/SF3480* would require health care providers to post a list on their website and in their office of common procedures and the estimated costs associated with those most-accessed procedures. It would also prohibit health plan companies and care providers from hiding the costs from consumers.

“This is the best way to reduce our health care costs in Minnesota,” said Rep. Jeremy Munson (R-Lake Crystal). “This will let people know what the cost of their health care is.”

The House passed the bill 127-0 after the Senate, along with sponsor Sen. Rich Draheim (R-Madison Lake), passed it 65-2 on May 1. It now goes to the governor.

“It’s a good price-transparency bill,” said Rep. Sarah Anderson (R-Plymouth), the bill’s House sponsor.