New law would force hospitals to post real prices starting in 2028

What does this do?

Starting January 1, 2028, hospitals, surgical centers, imaging providers, and labs that accept Medicare must post detailed pricing online for free, without login, including list prices, cash discount prices, and negotiated insurer prices for at least 300 common services. Hospitals must also provide plain-language service descriptions, help for patients with limited English proficiency, and certify their pricing is accurate.

Who does it affect?

Hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, imaging providers, diagnostic labs, and health insurance plans must comply with the new rules. Patients and consumers are meant to benefit by being able to compare prices before receiving care.

Why does it matter?

Providers that don't comply face escalating enforcement, including correction plans and daily fines that scale with facility size, plus public reporting of compliance status. Insurers also face new requirements to give patients personalized cost estimates.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Daily fines scale with facility size
• Repeat offenders face millions in fines
• Rural hospitals may get reduced penalties