Popular Healthcare Reform Has Potential to Drive Down Costs
Madison, WI – Momentum continues to build behind legislation to empower patients as the Senate Committee on Licensing, Regulatory Reform, State and Federal Affairs prepares to hold a public hearing on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, on the Price Transparency for Patients Bill.
Authored by Senator Julian Bradley (R-New Berlin) alongside legislative partners Senator Mary Felzkowski (R-Tomahawk) and Representative Bob Wittke (R-Caledonia), the bill would require hospitals to clearly post prices for common, shoppable medical services so patients can understand costs before receiving care. The proposal builds on federal transparency requirements and ensures consistent, enforceable standards at the state level.
“Every health system should have a button at the top of their website where we can find out how much they’re going to charge us for basic medical services,” said Senator Bradley. “No other industry gets away with unfairly hiding their prices until after you’re already on the hook. The system is broken, and it’s time to fix it.”
The legislation arrives at committee with overwhelming public support. Multiple surveys show more than 90 percent of people support hospital price transparency, with support spanning political parties, age groups, and regions.
In addition to providing peace of mind, studies have indicated that transparency could drive down costs for some common services by as much as 27%. When consumers and businesses are able to compare prices, people save.
“With this hearing, we’re taking a step toward meaningful reform,” Bradley said. “This bill moves us toward the transparency, accountability, and fairness in healthcare pricing that we deserve.”
As part of the effort, Sen. Bradley and his colleagues have launched a website, TheHospitalBill.com, a resource designed to engage and inform Wisconsinites. The website offers a clear explanation of the bill’s benefits, and allows visitors to take action by signing a petition demonstrating their support.
