OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill requiring health care providers, groups and facilities to make prices for their most commonly provided services available to consumers passed unanimously in the House today with a vote of 92-0.

House Bill 1006, by Rep. Carol Bush, R-Tulsa, creates the Transparency in Health Care Prices Act.

“Oklahoma consumers understand the cost and affordability associated with virtually every available consumer product,” Bush said. “However, when considering the cost and affordability of health care, Oklahoma patients face serious challenges in shopping for and comparing the best and most affordable care available. This legislation will increase transparency into this system so people can better manage their treatment.”

Under the measure, health care prices means the cash price a provider, group or facility will charge a patient for a standard service. This pricing list shall be made available either on the provider’s website or other conspicuous posting. Health care facilities also would be required to make common diagnosis and outpatient CPT codes public. The price would, of course, not include any amount in the case of complications or exceptional treatment. The document must be updated at least annually. The bill would prohibit the review of healthcare prices by any agency and interference in contracts between private parties.

Bush said the measure compliments new federal regulations and is supported by the Oklahoma State Medical Association.

HB 1006 now moves to the state Senate where it is authored by Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond.