The irony is that many who want transparency also think more insurance competition is a key to reduced costs.
If the hospital charges every insurer the same then the insurers have no way to differentiate themselves and maybe offer lower rates.
But if you have 10 insurers, each negotiating a different price with the hospital, which one should be posted as the "transparent" price?
Sounds like a search for an excuse instead of a reason not to post the “Standard” price. Insurance companies could negotiate as they are able and reflect the result in their prices of coverage.
Competition is simple. Regulation isn’t.