Green Bay Reporter

Representative Mike Gallagher (R-WI) has introduced a package of bills aimed at addressing the rising healthcare costs in Wisconsin and ensuring access to quality care for all residents. The package consists of three bills that focus on increasing transparency in drug pricing, improving billing practices, and expanding the use of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

In a statement, Rep. Gallagher highlighted the urgency of addressing healthcare costs and the need for bipartisan solutions. He stated, "Too often, the healthcare debate in Washington devolves into partisan bickering that loses sight of the real problem with our healthcare system: skyrocketing costs with declining patient outcomes. We have to cut through the gridlock and work to address these issues and can do so by taking simple steps to increase price transparency for Americans, modernize our healthcare system, and give patients better control of their healthcare dollars."

The first bill in the package is the Prescription Drug Rebate Reform Act of 2023. This bill aims to bring transparency to drug pricing and lower out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. It would require patients' coinsurance obligations to be set as a percentage of net price, rather than list price, helping patients understand the actual price of their medications.

The second bill, the Timely Bills for Patients Act, addresses the issue of delayed and confusing healthcare bills. Rep. Gallagher's bill would require healthcare providers to provide patients with a list of services received upon discharge and send a bill within 45 days of service. Patients would then have 30 days to pay the bill. If the provider fails to send a bill within the specified timeframe, the patient would no longer be obligated to pay.

Lastly, the Simplify and Expand Health Savings Account Act aims to simplify regulations surrounding HSAs, which can provide individuals with a financial safety net in case of health emergencies. The bill proposes increasing the maximum contribution limits for HSAs, allowing the use of HSA funds for Direct Primary Care Arrangements, and granting employers the ability to contribute to employees' HSAs to cover premiums for individual market plans.

These bills introduced by Rep. Gallagher aim to tackle the root causes of rising healthcare costs and provide Wisconsinites with greater control over their healthcare choices. By increasing transparency in drug pricing, improving billing practices, and expanding the use of HSAs, these measures have the potential to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for all residents.

As healthcare costs continue to be a pressing issue, it is important for lawmakers to come together and find bipartisan solutions. Rep. Gallagher's package of bills is a step towards addressing this challenge and ensuring that Wisconsinites have access to quality care at an affordable price.

Click this link to access more information: https://gallagher.house.gov/media/press-releases/gallagher-introduces-package-bills-lower-healthcare-costs-wisconsinites