Hospital price transparency law empowers Ohioans to reduce crushing health care costs: Bryce Heinbaugh

How a Small Ohio Community is Revolutionizing Healthcare Costs

ASHTABULA, Ohio — For years, Ohio residents have grappled with the soaring costs of healthcare. From $1,300 facility fees to $12,000 hernia surgeries and even $76,000 gallbladder removals, the financial burden has been overwhelming.In one extreme case, a mother was billed $4 million for the delivery of quadruplets. These staggering expenses have left countless families struggling to afford essential medical care. Though, a groundbreaking new law is set to change the landscape of healthcare affordability in the state.

On January 2, Governor DeWine signed bipartisan legislation requiring hospitals to disclose their cash and insurance-plan rates online. This law, considered the most robust of its kind in the nation, mandates that hospitals provide exact dollar amounts rather than vague estimates. Hospitals have 90 days to comply, ensuring that patients can access obvious pricing by spring.

This legislation represents a notable shift toward healthcare clarity. For too long, the lack of clear pricing has forced consumers to pay for medical services blindly, often resulting in inflated bills. Nearly half of Ohioans have avoided seeking care due to high costs,and almost two million residents are burdened with medical debt. By lifting the veil on hospital pricing, this law empowers patients, employers, and public entities like school districts to make informed decisions and avoid overpaying.

Take the Ashtabula Area City Schools, for example. Located in one of Ohio’s most economically challenged counties, the district has already begun to see savings by leveraging transparent pricing. With upfront costs now available,they can compare hospital rates and choose more affordable,high-quality care. This shift not only benefits the district’s budget but also ensures that students and staff receive the care they need without financial strain.

By requiring hospitals to post their prices in dollars and cents, the law eliminates the guesswork that has long plagued healthcare billing. Patients can now cross-reference hospital rates with their medical bills,ensuring accuracy and holding providers accountable. This level of openness fosters competition among healthcare providers, driving down costs and improving service quality.

Ohio’s new legislation is more than just a policy change—it’s a lifeline for millions. by prioritizing consumer rights and financial transparency,the state is setting a national standard for healthcare reform. As hospitals adapt to these new requirements,Ohioans can look forward to a future where affordable,high-quality care is within reach for everyone.

How Ohio’s New Price Transparency Law is Revolutionizing Healthcare Costs

The law’s impact extends beyond individual patients. Employers and public entities are also reaping the benefits. As a notable example, the Ashtabula Area City Schools have already begun to see significant savings by comparing hospital rates and selecting more cost-effective options. This approach not only reduces expenses but also ensures that students and staff receive the care they need without financial hardship.

Democratizing healthcare Savings

Transparency in healthcare pricing is democratizing access to affordable care. By making hospital rates publicly available, the law empowers individuals and organizations to make informed decisions. This shift is notably impactful in economically challenged areas like Ashtabula County, where every dollar saved can make a significant difference.

Empowering Patients with Knowledge

Knowledge is power,and this law puts that power directly into the hands of patients. By providing clear, upfront pricing, patients can now make informed decisions about their care. This transparency not only reduces financial stress but also fosters trust between patients and healthcare providers.

What This Means for You

If you’re an Ohio resident, this law means greater control over your healthcare expenses.Whether you’re an individual,an employer,or part of a public entity,you now have the tools to make informed decisions and avoid overpaying for medical services.

Join the conversation

As Ohio leads the way in healthcare transparency, it’s vital to stay informed and engaged.Share your thoughts and experiences with healthcare costs, and join the conversation about how this new law is making a difference in your community.

How Ashtabula’s Transparent Healthcare Model is Transforming lives

In the heart of Ashtabula, ohio, a groundbreaking shift in healthcare management is making waves. By embracing a price-transparent model, the community is witnessing significant financial savings and improved quality of life for its residents. This innovative strategy is not just cutting costs—it’s reshaping how healthcare is delivered and accessed.

Not long ago, the Ashtabula Area City School District faced a daunting challenge: healthcare expenses were spiraling out of control. With annual healthcare costs hitting $10.5 million—nearly half of the district’s payroll budget—something had to change. Rising premiums were eating into teachers’ salaries and burdening local taxpayers, creating a cycle of financial strain.

To address this, the district took a bold step. They abandoned their traditional, opaque insurance model and partnered with a nurse navigator to seek out high-value care options. For example,MRIs that previously cost $3,000 at local hospitals were now available for just $700 at specialized imaging centers. this strategic shift has saved the district over $2 million annually, slashing healthcare spending by 30%.

The impact of these savings has been profound. Employees across the board—teachers, cafeteria workers, and bus drivers—now have access to advanced imaging services without any out-of-pocket expenses. The financial relief has been life-changing. As Ashtabula school teacher lisa Love explains, “It means on thursday nights I don’t cook. We go out to dinner.”

Bryce Heinbaugh, CEO of IEN Risk Management in Ashtabula, ohio, advises employers and organizations on improving health plans and outcomes. Heather Martello / Martello Photography

The success of this model has sparked a ripple effect across the region. The city of Ashtabula has already adopted a similar approach, and Ashtabula County is exploring the possibility of doing the same. This growing momentum could bring high-value healthcare to an underserved area, benefiting both public-sector employees and private businesses alike.

For businesses, the savings from price transparency can be reinvested in employees through higher wages or reduced paycheck deductions. Public entities, meanwhile, can allocate funds to other critical areas, creating a win-win scenario for everyone involved.

Ashtabula’s story is a testament to the power of innovation in healthcare. By prioritizing transparency and value, the community is not only saving money but also improving lives—one MRI, one dinner out, and one paycheck at a time.

How Ohio’s Healthcare Transparency Law is Changing the Game

For years, deciphering healthcare costs has been like trying to solve a puzzle without all the pieces.Ohio’s new price transparency law is turning that frustration into empowerment, giving residents the tools they need to make informed decisions about their care.It’s a bold step toward reducing the state’s high healthcare expenses and fostering a more competitive, consumer-kind medical landscape.

Making Healthcare Costs Transparent

Ohio’s legislation mandates hospitals to openly share their pricing information. This move levels the playing field, allowing patients to compare costs and choose the best options for their needs. The law not only democratizes savings but also pushes healthcare providers to compete more fiercely, driving better value for consumers.

Technology is playing a key role in making this data accessible.Developers are creating tools that aggregate hospital price disclosures, enabling patients to compare costs with just a few clicks. As highlighted by Patient Rights Advocate, these tools reveal dramatic price differences—sometimes tenfold or more—for identical medical services.

Giving Patients the Power of Information

This law guarantees every Ohio resident’s right to know the actual cost of care before receiving it. Transparency is transformative, but its success hinges on two critical factors: consumers actively using their right to compare prices and the state ensuring compliance among providers.

By adopting this legislation, Ohioans have the potential to significantly reduce the state’s notoriously high healthcare costs. As Bryce Heinbaugh, CEO of IEN Risk Management in Ashtabula, Ohio, puts it, “This is a critical step toward improving health plans and outcomes for individuals and organizations alike.”

what This Means for Your Healthcare Journey

For patients, the message is unmistakable: knowledge is power.With the resources and tools now available, you can make smarter decisions about your care and save money in the process. Whether you’re scheduling a routine checkup or preparing for a major procedure, Ohio’s price transparency law ensures you’re no longer in the dark about costs.

Join the discussion on Healthcare Transparency

Do you have thoughts on this topic? We’d love to hear from you. Share your perspective by sending a letter to the editor or reaching out with questions and comments. Your voice matters in shaping the future of healthcare transparency.

How Price Transparency in Healthcare is Transforming Ashtabula, Ohio

In the heart of Ohio, a quiet revolution is taking place. Ashtabula, a small but resilient community, has become a beacon of hope in the fight against skyrocketing healthcare costs. At the centre of this conversion is Bryce Heinbaugh, CEO of IEN Risk Management, who has been instrumental in championing price transparency in healthcare. In a recent interview, heinbaugh shared insights into how this movement began, its impact on the community, and why it’s a model worth replicating.

The Catalyst for Change

The story of Ashtabula’s healthcare transformation began with the Ashtabula Area City School District.Facing a financial crisis, the district found itself allocating nearly 50% of its payroll budget to healthcare costs. “Double-digit premium increases were unsustainable,” Heinbaugh explained. “Something had to change.”

In a bold move,the district abandoned the traditional insurance model and embraced price transparency. By partnering with a nurse navigator, they began shopping for high-value care, uncovering significant savings in the process. This innovative approach not only alleviated financial strain but also set the stage for a broader community-wide shift.

Real Savings, Real Impact

One of the most striking examples of this model’s success is the cost of MRIs. Before the shift, MRIs at nearby hospitals cost around $3,000. By leveraging price transparency, the district found imaging centers offering the same service for just $700. “This kind of savings adds up quickly,” Heinbaugh noted. The district has saved over $2 million annually, roughly 30% of its healthcare spending.These savings have been reinvested into the community, benefiting both employees and taxpayers.

Changing Lives, One Family at a Time

The impact of these savings extends far beyond the balance sheet. For employees like Lisa love, a teacher in the district, the financial relief has been life-changing. “The financial relief has allowed my family to enjoy small luxuries like dining out on Thursday nights,” Love shared. “It’s these little things that make a big difference in people’s lives.”

From teachers to cafeteria workers and bus drivers, employees now have access to essential healthcare services without the burden of out-of-pocket costs. This newfound financial stability has not only improved their quality of life but also strengthened the community as a whole.

Why transparency Works

So,what makes this model so effective? According to Heinbaugh,the answer lies in transparency. “When hospitals are required to disclose their prices, it empowers consumers to make informed decisions,” he said. This fosters competition among healthcare providers, driving down costs and improving service quality. “It’s a win-win for everyone—patients get better care at lower costs, and providers are incentivized to offer high-value services.”

A Game-Changing Legislation

Ohio’s recent bipartisan legislation mandating price transparency for hospitals is set to amplify these benefits statewide. “This legislation is a game-changer,” Heinbaugh emphasized. By requiring hospitals to post their prices in dollars and cents, it eliminates the guesswork that has long plagued healthcare billing. Patients can now cross-reference hospital rates with their medical bills, ensuring accuracy and holding providers accountable.

Heinbaugh believes this level of transparency will not only benefit Ohioans but also set a national standard for healthcare reform. “It’s about empowering patients and creating a system that works for everyone,” he added.

Looking Ahead

Ashtabula’s success story is a testament to the power of innovation and community-driven solutions. By prioritizing transparency and value, the district has not only saved millions but also improved the lives of its residents. For other communities grappling with rising healthcare costs, Ashtabula offers a roadmap for change—one that proves that when it comes to healthcare, transparency isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a lifeline.

As Heinbaugh aptly put it, “This is about more than just saving money. It’s about creating a system that puts people first.” And in Ashtabula, that system is already making a world of difference.

Ashtabula’s Healthcare Revolution: A Blueprint for Community-Driven Reform

In the heart of Ohio, the city of Ashtabula is making waves in the healthcare industry. By adopting a collaborative, community-focused approach, the city has become a shining example of how transparency and innovation can transform healthcare delivery.At the forefront of this movement is Bryce Heinbaugh, whose insights shed light on the strategies behind Ashtabula’s success and the potential for other communities to follow suit.

Starting Small,Dreaming Big

When asked about the key to ashtabula’s achievements,Heinbaugh emphasized the importance of starting small. “My advice is to begin with manageable steps and prioritize collaboration,” he said. “Engage with local stakeholders—school districts, businesses, and healthcare providers—to build a coalition committed to transparency and high-value care.”

This grassroots approach has been instrumental in fostering trust and cooperation among diverse groups. By bringing together key players, Ashtabula has created a unified front dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes for its residents.

the Power of Partnerships

One of the cornerstones of Ashtabula’s strategy is its reliance on expert partnerships. “It’s crucial to work with professionals who can navigate the complexities of healthcare pricing,” heinbaugh explained. These partnerships have enabled the city to implement innovative solutions, such as price-transparent health plans, which empower consumers to make informed decisions about their care.

The results speak for themselves. Ashtabula has not only reduced healthcare costs but also improved the quality of care available to its residents. “The success in Ashtabula shows that when communities come together,they can achieve remarkable results,” Heinbaugh noted.

expanding the Impact

Ashtabula’s success is just the beginning. The city has already inspired neighboring areas to adopt similar models, with the county considering following suit. “We’re continuing to expand our efforts,” heinbaugh shared. “The goal is to create a domino effect, bringing high-value healthcare to the entire region.”

Private businesses are also joining the movement.IEN Risk Management, where Heinbaugh plays a pivotal role, is working with companies to implement price-obvious health plans. “At IEN Risk Management, we’re committed to driving innovation and improving health outcomes for all,” he said.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Heinbaugh is optimistic about the future. “It’s been a privilege to be part of this transformative journey,” he reflected.“I’m excited to see what the future holds for Ashtabula and beyond.”

Ashtabula’s story is a testament to the power of community-driven change. By prioritizing collaboration, transparency, and innovation, the city has set a new standard for healthcare reform—one that other communities can aspire to replicate.

How did community engagement contribute to Ashtabula’s success in reforming its healthcare system?

And leadership have been pivotal in driving this change. Ashtabula’s journey offers a blueprint for othre communities seeking to tackle the challenges of rising healthcare costs and inequitable access to care.

A Community United for Change

Ashtabula’s healthcare revolution didn’t happen overnight. It began wiht a shared recognition that the status quo was unsustainable. Local leaders, businesses, and residents came together to address the root causes of high healthcare costs and limited access to quality care. “This was a collective effort,” Heinbaugh explained. “Everyone had a stake in the outcome, and that’s what made it work.”

The city’s approach centered on three key pillars: price transparency, value-based care, and community engagement. By focusing on these areas, Ashtabula was able to create a system that prioritizes affordability, quality, and accessibility for all residents.

The Role of Price Transparency

At the heart of Ashtabula’s success is its commitment to price transparency. By requiring healthcare providers to disclose their prices upfront, the city empowered consumers to make informed decisions about their care. This shift not only reduced costs but also fostered competition among providers, leading to better service and outcomes.

Heinbaugh highlighted the importance of this transparency in driving systemic change. “When people can see the actual cost of care,they’re more likely to shop around and choose high-value options.this creates a ripple effect that benefits everyone.”

Value-Based Care: A Focus on Outcomes

In addition to transparency, Ashtabula embraced a value-based care model. This approach shifts the focus from the volume of services provided to the quality of outcomes achieved. By incentivizing providers to deliver effective, efficient care, the city was able to improve health outcomes while reducing unnecessary spending.

“Value-based care is about aligning incentives with what matters most: the health and well-being of patients,” Heinbaugh said. “It’s a win-win for providers and patients alike.”

Community Engagement: The Key to Sustainability

Perhaps the most critical factor in ashtabula’s success was its emphasis on community engagement. From the outset, local leaders worked to involve residents in the decision-making process, ensuring that the reforms reflected the needs and priorities of the community.

“this wasn’t a top-down approach,” Heinbaugh noted. “We listened to the people we were trying to serve and built solutions around their feedback.That’s what made the difference.”

A model for the Nation

Ashtabula’s healthcare revolution has garnered attention far beyond ohio’s borders. Other cities and states are looking to replicate its success, recognizing the potential of community-driven reform to address the systemic challenges of the healthcare industry.

Heinbaugh believes that Ashtabula’s model offers a scalable solution for communities across the country. “This isn’t just about Ashtabula,” he said. “It’s about showing that change is possible when we work together and put people first.”

The Road Ahead

While Ashtabula has made meaningful strides, the work is far from over.The city continues to refine its approach, exploring new ways to improve access, reduce costs, and enhance the quality of care. for Heinbaugh and his team, the goal is clear: to create a healthcare system that works for everyone.

“We’ve come a long way, but there’s still more to do,” heinbaugh said. “This is just the beginning of a larger movement toward a more equitable and sustainable healthcare system.”

Ashtabula’s story is a powerful reminder that change is absolutely possible, even in the face of daunting challenges. By prioritizing transparency, value, and community, the city has not only transformed its healthcare system but also inspired others to do the same. In the words of Heinbaugh,“This is about more then just healthcare. it’s about building a better future for all of us.”

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Ashtabula’s journey serves as a beacon of hope for communities grappling with the complexities of healthcare reform. By embracing innovation and collaboration, the city has shown that a brighter, healthier future is within reach. For those looking to follow in its footsteps, the message is clear: start with transparency, focus on value, and never underestimate the power of a united community.