Some hospital officials are warning that the published prices are likely to bear no resemblance to the actual prices, which can vary depending on the rates the hospitals negotiate with insurance companies.
However, HHS says hospitals are free to offer more information to consumers to put prices in context and to let people know how much they are actually likely to pay.
I don't think this is a very good idea. It only hurts the poor. They already don't go enough because of cost, this will really scare them off going. We just need to fix our stupid system rather than throwing band aids at it.
I'm not poor, but I very much avoid doctors and hospitals because just walking through the door is like writing a blank check. At least if you know the cost you can see it coming and if it isn't emergent you can figure out where the money will be coming from.