Pa. lawmaker pushes to collect health care cost data

Sen. Tim Kearney, D-Media, has introduced a bill he said would improve transparency in the health care industry.

The bill would create a state All-Payers Claims Database to collect data about claims covered by both public and private insurance companies for medical, dental, pharmaceutical, emergency, and behavioral health care.

“The creation of an APCD in Pennsylvania will provide a critical tool for consumers and the legislature as we consider the ongoing crisis of increasing healthcare costs,” wrote Mr. Kearney.

Mr. Kearney said the database would provide clarity on prices for different services and allow people to compare the costs and coverage for different providers. It would also help the Pennsylvania Insurance Department ensure that rates and negotiations are fair.

APCDs already