The Patient Rights Advocate organization has praised the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for its recent actions aimed at enhancing price transparency in healthcare. This initiative aligns with President Donald Trump’s longstanding commitment to ensuring that patients receive actual prices for medical services rather than estimates. The announcement was made on November 21, 2025, following the introduction of the 2026 Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) Final Rule.
According to Cynthia Fisher, Founder and Chair of PatientRightsAdvocate.org, the 2026 OPPS Final Rule represents a significant advancement in hospital price transparency. Fisher noted that the new regulation mandates that hospitals display actual prices in standardized, accessible formats. This requirement is expected to empower patients, allowing them to make informed decisions and compare costs effectively.
“In a time when most American families are burdened by rising healthcare expenses and medical debt, having access to actual hospital prices before receiving care equips patients with the power to benefit from competition and lower costs,” Fisher stated. She emphasized the importance of price visibility in protecting patients from overcharges, offering them proof and recourse.
Despite the progress made, Fisher also expressed concerns over compliance. She pointed out that for the past five years, many hospitals have failed to adhere to existing transparency laws, often resorting to obfuscation. The PRA is urging HHS officials, including Secretary Kennedy and Administrator Oz, to enforce accountability through significant penalties for those who continue to conceal prices. Furthermore, the organization is calling for the upcoming regulatory framework to include mandatory disclosure of all negotiated terms and any exceptions.
Public sentiment appears to support these measures. Reports indicate that 96% of Americans believe they should know the price of healthcare services prior to receiving them. Yet, 25% of hospitals still do not comply with the standards set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), posting files that do not pass the necessary validation checks. Additionally, 90% of Americans view upfront pricing as an essential aspect of fairness in healthcare.
The Patient Rights Advocate organization is committed to promoting systemic transparency in healthcare pricing. Through advocacy, legal research, grassroots campaigns, and media outreach, PRA aims to create a competitive marketplace that ultimately benefits both patients and employers by lowering overall healthcare costs.
As this initiative unfolds, the emphasis on genuine price transparency is expected to have far-reaching implications for the healthcare system in the United States, paving the way for a more equitable and accessible approach to medical expenses.
