32BJ SEIU discusses hospital price increases and possible solutions to make healthcare more affordable.
With the steep rise in healthcare premiums, Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages and the 32BJ coalition are pushing for legislation to regulate costs and increase transparency in the healthcare sector. On Wednesday, September 22, 2022, the member attended the 32BJ Hospital Prices
conference engaging in solutions to mitigate the current healthcare crisis and build on the HEAL Act, aimed at increasing transparency in healthcare spending.
The cost of healthcare, specifically in hospitals, has risen sharply in the past five years. In some instances, private hospital costs have risen as high as 50%. What hasn’t increased at the same rate is the number of people receiving coverage or; the quality of care people receive from these healthcare providers. That has led to an increase in unsurmountable medical bills for patients and employers. Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages continues to support legislation aimed at tackling these inequities.
There are many drivers of high healthcare costs, one of which is the lack of competition in the healthcare market as consolidation among healthcare providers continues to increase. Another is the “most favored nation” clause, meaning a hospital can charge as much as the market will bear for a service. Also, their lack of transparency keeps consumers in the dark when making their healthcare decisions.
“Health care is not expensive, yet health costs have been the number one driver of inflation, poverty, and bankruptcy in this country,” mentioned Dave Chase, Health Rosetta. “It’s necessary that we support and implement legislation to reign in the cost of healthcare. Healthcare is fixable, and constituents shouldn’t have to shoulder the burden of a system that profits from their misfortune. We are on the right track enforcing policies like the HEAL Act allows constituents to have a fighting chance while still having access to quality, affordable healthcare,” stated Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages.
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