Let's say they make prices transparent. You ask them about the cost of getting an X-ray done and they quote you $Number. You go and get an x-ray done and you're billed for $number plus a few extra thousand for any number of unknown costs.
Hospital billing is a lot like getting billed for internet/phone/cable etc. They'll throw all kinds of bullshit charges, ding you for not using certain things and more. Then you have to waste energy calling them up to talk with someone whose job is to get you off the line.
That's assuming you can even shop for your needs. If it's an emergency then you're screwed either way. The only change this would cause is that insurers and hospitals would adapt and figure out other ways to sneak in charges.
If you want to fix this problem at the core, then trying to make it more of a free market won't work. You need stronger oversight and control to keep things in check.
Let's say they make prices transparent. You ask them about the cost of getting an X-ray done and they quote you $Number. You go and get an x-ray done and you're billed for $number plus a few extra thousand for any number of unknown costs.
Hospital billing is a lot like getting billed for internet/phone/cable etc. They'll throw all kinds of bullshit charges, ding you for not using certain things and more. Then you have to waste energy calling them up to talk with someone whose job is to get you off the line.
That's assuming you can even shop for your needs. If it's an emergency then you're screwed either way. The only change this would cause is that insurers and hospitals would adapt and figure out other ways to sneak in charges.
If you want to fix this problem at the core, then trying to make it more of a free market won't work. You need stronger oversight and control to keep things in check.