Turning an Executive Order into action: Is it radical to push for healthcare price transparency when employers pay 27% more than necessary?

Key takeaways

• Only 14% of hospitals fully comply with existing transparency rules
• Employers pay 27% more than necessary for common services due to lack of pricing visibility
• Prescription drug costs remain opaque, limiting smarter plan design
• Radical transparency—clear, accessible, enforceable pricing—empowers every actor in the system, not just regulators

After years of relentless advocacy, policy changes and industry efforts, we’ve arrived at another pivotal moment for healthcare price transparency—an Executive Order from the office of the President to reinforce and strengthen existing transparency legislation. But the question is: Will it finally work?

For too long, the true cost of care has been difficult—if not impossible—to access. Employers struggle to design cost-effective health plans, patients face unpredictable bills and even insurers work within a system where pricing data isn’t always clear or comparable.

Even with existing regulations, only 14% of hospitals fully comply with transparency rules today. Meanwhile:

• Employers pay 27% more than necessary for common services simply because they lack visibility into pricing.

• Prescription drug costs remain opaque, limiting opportunities for smarter plan design.

• Patients face wide price variations, often paying vastly different amounts for the same procedure.

This isn’t about blaming hospitals, insurers or any one part of the system—it’s about fixing a broken process that makes it difficult for everyone to operate efficiently and fairly.

What does radical transparency make possible?

Transparency alone won’t fix healthcare. But radical transparency—with clear, accessible and enforceable pricing information—empowers everyone in the system:

• Employers can design better health benefits that balance cost and quality.

• Patients can make informed decisions about their care.

• Hospitals and insurers can negotiate and compete based on value, not complexity.

At Handl Health, we believe data should serve those footing the bill—including both patients and employers. Price transparency shouldn’t just be a regulation; it should be a tool for better decision-making, fairer pricing and a more sustainable healthcare system.

This executive order is a step in the right direction. Now, it’s time for action.