H.R.3017 - Measuring State Healthcare Freedom Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3017, the "Measuring State Healthcare Freedom Act," directs the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct an annual study on healthcare competition and consolidation at the state level for ten years. The study will assess licensing requirements, mergers and acquisitions, the number of state laws related to healthcare facility approvals, the availability of alternative health insurance, and the number of healthcare providers. The Assistant Secretary will consult with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) and submit annual reports to Congress and make the data publicly accessible.
Expected Effects
This bill aims to provide greater transparency regarding healthcare competition and consolidation within each state. The data collected could inform future policy decisions related to healthcare regulation and antitrust enforcement. Ultimately, the goal is to foster a more competitive healthcare market.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in healthcare markets.
- Data-driven insights for policymakers.
- Potential for improved competition among healthcare providers.
- Better understanding of the impact of state regulations on healthcare.
- Publicly accessible data for researchers and consumers.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential administrative burden on HHS, FTC, and DOJ.
- Risk of data misinterpretation or misuse.
- Possible political influence on study results.
- Limited direct impact on healthcare costs or access in the short term.
- The study's findings may not lead to concrete policy changes.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve healthcare market understanding. Congress has the power to legislate on matters related to interstate commerce, which includes healthcare markets. The reporting requirements imposed on the executive branch are consistent with Congress's oversight role.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).