America’s Health Insurance Plans Issues Statement on Public Disclosure of Negotiated Rates Between Hospitals, Health Insurance Providers

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- America's Health Insurance Plans issued the following statement by President and CEO Matt Eyles on the release of two rules that would require public disclosure of privately negotiated rates between hospitals and health insurance providers:

"Every American should be able to get personalized health care cost and quality information before they seek care. Actionable and personalized information will help patients make informed decisions that are best for their needs. We support clear, consistent and concise information that is customized to an individual's circumstances. Transparency should aid and support patient decision-making, should not undermine competitive negotiations that lower patients' health care costs, and should put downward pressure on premiums for consumers and employers.

"As we evaluate the full impact of both the final and proposed rules released today, and how they interact with other proposed rules that impact patient and consumer data, we do so with a few key principles in mind:

* Consumers deserve transparency about out-of-pocket costs to help them make informed decisions about their own care.

* Transparency should be achieved in a way that encourages - not undermines - competitive negotiations to lower patients' and consumers' costs and premiums.

* Public programs and the free market should work together to deliver on our commitments to affordability, quality and value for Americans.

"Neither of these rules - together or separately - satisfies these principles.

"Health insurance providers unequivocally want to empower patients and consumers with health care cost and quality information that is simple, clear, and personally relevant. That is why health insurance providers encourage all of their consumers to use the secure, personalized cost estimator tools they provide today. We will continue to engage collaboratively with the Administration and other health care stakeholders on how we can best work together to achieve lower prices and costs while protecting health care quality, choice, value, and privacy for the hardworking Americans we serve."

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About AHIP

AHIP is the national association whose members provide coverage for health care and related services to millions of Americans every day. Through these offerings, we improve and protect the health and financial security of consumers, families, businesses, communities and the nation. We are committed to market-based solutions and public-private partnerships that improve affordability, value, access, and well-being for consumers. Visit www.ahip.org for more information.