Core Insights - A significant portion of the population, nearly 60%, has postponed or avoided medical care due to costs, highlighting a critical issue in healthcare accessibility [1][8] - The implementation of a federal rule in 2021 mandates hospitals to publish pricing information for common medical services, yet compliance remains low, with only 21.1% of hospitals fully compliant as of November 2024 [3][5] Group 1: Cost and Accessibility - A survey by Alphaeon Credit indicates that financial constraints are a major barrier to accessing medical care, with 60% of respondents reporting delays or avoidance of necessary services [1][8] - Nonprofit hospitals, which make up nearly 60% of community hospitals in the U.S., are required to provide financial assistance to those unable to afford care, potentially alleviating some cost-related issues [6] Group 2: Pricing Transparency - The 2021 federal rule requires hospitals to disclose pricing information online, including negotiated rates and cash prices, although many hospitals opt to publish less transparent data [3][5] - Only 16.8% of hospitals have published actual prices in dollars, with many providing percentages or algorithms instead, complicating the price comparison process for patients [5] Group 3: Financial Assistance and Payment Options - Patients may qualify for financial assistance even if they have insurance, with eligibility criteria varying by provider, often based on income and residency [7] - Hospitals may offer payment plans that allow patients to spread the cost of medical bills over time, potentially with low or zero interest rates, making them a more favorable option compared to high-interest credit cards [9]