FTC warns 24 major U.S. hospital systems over deceptive price quotes

The FTC sent warning letters to 24 of the nation's largest health systems, reminding them of their obligations to provide patients with timely, accurate and complete pricing information for healthcare services. The commission said failing to do so can be an unfair or deceptive practice. The letters focus on price quotes that leave out physician or facility fees for routine, non-emergency care scheduled in advance. The FTC did not publicly name the 24 recipients.

Why it matters. A coordinated warning to major hospital systems over price-quote practices could lay groundwork for future FTC enforcement and bolster related state-law consumer claims over hospital billing transparency.