Kuster Fights for Cost Transparency for Patients, Increased Support for Community Care

**Kuster’s full remarks in the Energy and Commerce Committee are available HERE**

Washington, D.C. — Today, in the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) questioned witnesses about rising health care costs and steps Congress can take to lift the burden off patients. Specifically, Kuster advocated for the 340B program, which provides discounts on essential prescription drugs to vulnerable communities, and pushed for her legislation to ensure site-neutral payments.

Currently, hospital-owned health systems charge high hospital rates for care received at outpatient facilities, passing on the cost of hospital operating expenses to patients not receiving care at those sites. Adopting site-neutral billing practices increases cost transparency, extends Medicare solvency, lowers overall consumer costs, and allows patients to make informed medical decisions regarding care and treatment.

“Health care costs are unaffordable for millions of Americans in New Hampshire and across the country. We can and must do better,” said Rep. Kuster. “On top of high costs, patients are also navigating a confusing landscape where they can’t plan how much life-saving treatment will cost or if they can afford it. That’s why I’m working on bipartisan legislation to increase health care transparency and ensure patients only pay for the care they need, regardless of whether they are treated at the doctor’s office or the hospital.”

Kuster, a senior Member of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, is a leader in Congress for lowering health care costs. Her bipartisan legislation, the Increasing Transparency in Generic Drug Applications Act of 2022, would also make it easier for lower-cost generic drugs to come to market, making life-saving prescription drugs more affordable for patients across the country.

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