A proposal from a Wisconsin congressman would make it easier for consumers to know what they're paying for health care.
Congressman Steve Kagen's (D-WI) Standard Health Benefit Plan would establish a basic level of medical care, which would be available to all Americans. He says once insurance companies are compelled to be selling the same policies, it will force them to more competitively price that coverage.
Kagen says his plan would also prevent discrimination based on a patient's previous medical history, which should allow everyone to access care in the marketplace.
The Wisconsin Medical Society's Dr. Tim Bartholow says the price transparency would help consumers gain a better understanding of what insurance plan is right for them, and make sure they can obtain coverage. Under Kagen's plan, Bartholow says consumers would know exactly what they're getting when they purchase insurance.