Prices on the Wall Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 21, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to increase healthcare price transparency by requiring various medical facilities to physically display prices for common services, empowering consumers to make more informed decisions.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to mandate that hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, laboratories, and providers furnishing imaging services publicly post discounted cash prices or median cash prices for specified shoppable services directly on their walls, starting January 1, 2028. It defines 'discounted cash price' and 'shoppable service' to clarify the scope of the requirement.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill will enhance healthcare price transparency, allowing consumers to compare costs before receiving services, thereby fostering competition among providers and potentially lowering healthcare costs. They believe it empowers patients, especially those paying out-of-pocket or with high-deductible plans, to make informed financial decisions directly at the point of care.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that physical wall postings are an outdated and inefficient method for price transparency in the digital age, potentially leading to information overload or confusion for patients. They may also contend that the administrative burden on facilities to constantly update and maintain these physical postings for a vast array of services could be significant, without guaranteeing substantial consumer benefit or reflecting the complexity of negotiated rates.
The bill is very short and clear, making it highly accessible for a quick read and understanding of its core intent.
Section 2(f)(1)
Requirement for Hospitals to Post Shoppable Service Prices
Beginning January 1, 2028, all hospitals operating in the United States must display on their walls, in areas specified by the Secretary, the discounted cash price for each Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)-specified shoppable service. This applies to both inpatient and outpatient department settings. If a discounted cash price is not available, hospitals must post the median cash price charged to self-pay individuals for that service over the previous three years.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this will empower patients to shop for healthcare services, reduce unexpected costs, and drive down prices through competition, particularly benefiting uninsured or high-deductible patients by providing direct, accessible cost data.
Critics contend
Opponents may argue that this creates an undue administrative burden for hospitals, as prices can be complex and vary, and that physical wall postings are not the most effective or comprehensive way to disseminate this information compared to digital tools.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the desire for consumer empowerment and market transparency against the administrative burden on healthcare providers and the inherent complexity of healthcare pricing structures.
Section 2(f)(2)
Requirement for Ambulatory Surgical Centers to Post Shoppable Service Prices
Similar to hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers must, starting January 1, 2028, post on their walls, in areas specified by the Secretary, the discounted cash price for each CMS-specified shoppable service they furnish. If a discounted cash price is unavailable, they must post the median cash price charged to self-pay individuals for that service over the previous three years.
Section 2(f)(3)
Requirement for Laboratories to Post Clinical Diagnostic Lab Test Prices
As of January 1, 2028, laboratories operating in the United States must post on their walls, in areas specified by the Secretary, the discounted cash price for each specified clinical diagnostic laboratory test that is a CMS-specified shoppable service. If no such discounted cash price exists, they must post the gross charge for the test.
Section 2(f)(4)
Requirement for Imaging Service Providers to Post Prices
Starting January 1, 2028, each provider of services and supplier furnishing imaging services in the United States must post on their walls, in areas specified by the Secretary, the discounted cash price for each imaging service that is a CMS-specified shoppable service. If no such discounted cash price exists, they must post the gross charge for that service.