During a recent government meeting, significant concerns regarding rising health care costs were highlighted by employers and stakeholders. The discussions underscored a pressing need for federal legislative solutions to foster a more competitive and transparent health care marketplace.

Employers expressed deep apprehension about escalating health care expenses, attributing these increases to a lack of transparency and competition within the industry. A striking 90% of voters with employer-sponsored coverage believe it is crucial for Congress to act this year to reduce these costs. The council emphasized support for initiatives aimed at enhancing cost transparency, particularly advocating for the Healthy Competition for Better Care Act, which aims to address the growing market power of large hospital systems that often impose higher prices and restrictive contracting practices.

Moreover, the council called for the approval of the Transparent Telehealth Bills Act, which seeks to eliminate the controversial practice of charging facility fees for telehealth appointments—a concern shared by voters, who oppose such charges by an overwhelming margin of 8 to 1.

As the nation marks the 50th anniversary of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the message from employers, employees, and voters is clear: there is a strong demand for Congress to take decisive action to lower health care costs. The meeting concluded with a call for legislative measures that align with the uniformity provided by ERISA, emphasizing the ongoing importance of employer-sponsored health coverage in today’s economic landscape.