29 states get 'F' for price transparency laws

Wonder why you can't get a straight answer on how much a health care procedure will cost you? One big reason: State laws which allow hospitals and other providers to keep costs hidden until they send you the bill. A report card on price transparency released today gives 29 states an "F" and seven states a "D" for policies that keep patients and their families in the dark on prices. The failing grade went to those with practically no transparency requirements. Only two states, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, rate an "A," and even they could improve their laws, according to the report by the Catalyst for Payment Reform.