U.S. Chamber Joins Allies in Pushing for Health Care Transparency

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Representatives from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce today joined leaders from the nation's top business associations to underscore the importance of health care cost and quality transparency and to rally for quick implementation of President Bush's executive order on the issue.

"For a consumer-based health care system to thrive, individuals must have access to information on quality and cost to make wise decisions about their health care," said Bruce Josten, Chamber executive vice president for government affairs. "The president's directive is an important and strong statement about what is needed to help improve the nation's health care system, but the benefits will not be felt until it is fully implemented and realized."

Business leaders and government officials participated in panel discussions on health care efficiency and quality data, public-private collaborations, and information technology standards. Health & Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt delivered a keynote address. The event was sponsored by The Business Roundtable and co-hosted by the Chamber.

The President's Executive Order on Health Care Transparency unveiled this summer requires federal agencies involved in health insurance programs to share all available information on health care costs and quality with consumers, and to develop and identify new practices that promote more efficient health care.

The executive order incorporates the principles of cost and quality transparency and includes incentives for consumers and providers. It would promote competition in the health insurance arena and provide consumers access to the most accurate and complete cost-benefit information as they weigh their health care options.

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses of every size, sector and region.

www.uschamber.com

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