MADISON (WRN) Wisconsin health care providers must disclose the average prices of their most popular treatments under a bill signed into law today.
Governor Jim Doyle says health care is the only product that folks are asked to buy before they know the price. And he says the new law will help Wisconsinites understand the costs before they decide on certain health services. Hospitals will have to release the average prices of 75 popular inpatient treatments, and 75 common out-patient services. Free-standing outpatient facilities would have to disclose prices for 25 procedures.
The lower prices insurers pay would be figured into those averages – but what the insurers actually pay will remain confidential. Also, facilities will three or fewer doctors will be exempt from the new law.
