Ohioans expecting to undergo the most common hospital-administered medical treatments would be able to compare average costs and track records of each hospital in the state, under legislation introduced by a House Republican on
Tuesday. The bill (HB 541), which requires disclosure of the information on a state-operated website, has the support of major employers, employee unions and health care advocacy groups.
"Quality and price information are vital in order for consumers to make informed value judgments when it comes to their healthcare," Sponsor Jim Raussen (R-Springdale) said. "As consumers take a more active role in managing their healthcare, they need to have access to up-to-date and accurate information."
The bill would require Ohio hospitals to submit information on pricing, service quality, error prevention measures and billing practices. The data, the sponsor said, would help Ohioans facing critical health care decisions decide where they want to seek medical care. Similar programs are operating in Pennsylvania and Florida, Mr. Raussen said.
SEIU and EHPCO are members of the new Ohio HealthCHECK coalition that was created to support the measure. That coalition also includes the AARP, Employer Health Care Alliance, Ford Motor Company, General Motors Corp., Humana, NFIB/Ohio, Ohio Civil Service Employees Association, Ohio Farm Bureau and the Ohio Manufacturers Association.