Across New York, major hospital systems like Northwell Health are buying up private practices, then billing patients at drastically inflated hospital outpatient rates for the exact same level of care.

Certain hospital-owned clinics are charging as much as 60% more than independent practices.

According to ​​KFF data, researchers have found evidence that consolidation among healthcare providers has led to higher prices without evidence of improved quality.

Doctors are losing their independence. Hospitals are pressuring them to refer only within their system— regardless of whether it’s best for the patient. Patients are getting less choices, longer wait times, and expensive bills they can’t afford.

Fortunately, site neutral legislation would regulate that services from an independent doctor and a hospital would cost the same. In New York, proposed state legislation would save the state $1.4 billion a year in healthcare costs.

Patients who are already vulnerable shouldn’t have to navigate a system built to confuse and overcharge them. We must hold hospital giants accountable and bring transparency to health care. Better Solutions believes we all deserve fair, affordable care.