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A newly released executive order to make the nation’s healthcare prices more transparent received accolades this week from U.S. Reps. Kevin Brady (R-TX), Michael Burgess (R-TX) and Larry Bucshon (R-IN).

The new executive order, signed on June 24 by President Donald Trump, expands the benefits of health savings accounts, requires hospitals to disclose prices for services, and enhances patients’ access to data and quality measurements, according to the lawmakers.

“I applaud President Trump and his cabinet, including Secretary Azar, for this bold move to inject greater patient-oriented transparency in healthcare,” said Rep. Brady, ranking member on the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee. “The contrast is clear between Republicans’ continuous efforts to lower out of pocket health care costs for families across the country and one-size-fits-all Democrat proposals like ‘Medicare for all’ that centralize control in Washington, D.C.”

Rep. Brady said that Republicans “remain laser-focused” on pushing forward policies to improve access and affordability to quality healthcare, end surprise billing, and decrease prescription drug prices.

“I look forward to reviewing the executive order and the proposals that come out of this administration,” added Rep. Brady.

Rep. Burgess, ranking member of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, said his constituents in Texas regularly complain that America’s healthcare system is too complicated and overly expensive.

“While there is no single solution that can solve this problem, increasing transparency will lead to lower costs, more options and better care,” Rep. Burgess said. “I am grateful that President Trump is taking action to lower out-of-pocket costs for American patients.”

Rep. Bucshon added that it’s important for patients to have easy access to clear information about their healthcare costs so they can make the best decisions about their care.

“President Trump’s executive order is an important step to increase transparency in healthcare,” said Rep. Bucshon. “I am pleased that we are moving in a direction that allows consumers to better understand the cost of care they are receiving earlier in the process. By driving down the actual cost of care we can provide better access and higher quality care to more Americans.”

By The Ripon Advance News Service
The Ripon Advance