Center for Health Care Policy Research

The Importance of Health Care Transparency

Jessica Altman, Insurance Commissioner for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

In this episode, Dennis Scanlon speaks with J essica Altman, Insurance Commissioner for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to discuss the importance of transparency in health care and the Shoppable Care Work Group, whose primary goal is to enhance consumers' ability to shop for health care.

The Importance of Health Care Transparency

Ms. Altman details her role as the Insurance Commissioner for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and discusses the importance of healthcare transparency.

Cost is not a good predictor of quality. The more expensive one location is for the same service does not necessarily mean that location is much higher quality, and so providing quality information alongside cost is an important part of the equation.

Jessica Altman, PA Insurance Commissioner

PA Shoppable Care Work Group Recommendation: All-Payer Claims Database

Commissioner Altman discusses the establishment of Pennsylvania’s Shoppable Care Work Group and their recommendation for an all-payer claims database.

PA Shoppable Care Work Group Recommendation: Transparency Tool

Commissioner Altman explains the Shoppable Care Work Group's recommendation for a transparency tool to support consumers currently researching health care information/options.

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