Imagine getting a bill for hundreds—or even thousands—without seeing the cost beforehand. In most industries, that would be outrageous. In healthcare, it’s business as usual.
Healthcare prices have lacked transparency for many years. Patients often had no clear way of knowing what they’d be charged until after receiving care — with little power to shop around or compare prices ahead of time.
A new executive order issued in February 2025, “Making America Healthy Again by Empowering Patients with Clear, Accurate, and Actionable Healthcare Pricing Information”, renews and strengthens the federal push for healthcare price transparency, building on efforts that began during President Trump’s first term in 2019. It acknowledges that many hospitals, insurers, and health plans failed to comply with existing transparency rules and calls for stronger enforcement to ensure the real costs of medical services are disclosed.
While HealthShares aren’t the target of this regulation, the shift toward clearer pricing in healthcare could have a positive and meaningful impact on how HealthShare members access care, compare options, and manage costs.
As a cost-effective alternative to traditional insurance, HealthShares are not directly bound by the executive order. That said, most already maintain a relatively transparent structure, outlining how member contributions are allocated and funds are distributed. The broader push for price transparency in healthcare could further support and enhance how HealthShares operate in several meaningful ways.
What This Means Going Forward
This executive order doesn’t introduce a new system—it puts pressure on the current one to be more accountable. It’s a step toward reducing the confusion and frustration that so often surrounds the cost of care. For HealthShare members, who are used to asking questions, comparing prices, and advocating for themselves, this shift could offer even more clarity in a system that hasn’t always made space for transparency.
That said, better data doesn’t always mean better access. If pricing remains hard to find or understand—even with new rules—patients may still struggle to make cost-conscious choices. But, the momentum is moving in the right direction. More visibility means more leverage, not just for HealthShare members, but for anyone trying to take control of their medical expenses.
And while HealthShares weren’t the focus of this policy, they may end up among its quiet beneficiaries—simply because they’ve been preparing members to think this way all along.
Want to explore how HealthShares work and which one might fit your needs?
Start with The 2025 HealthShare Guide — featuring top program comparisons, simplified explanations, and practical insights to help you find the approach that fits your lifestyle, preferences, and budget.
