Chicago Tribune

Commentary: You wouldn't buy a car without knowing the price. So why are health care prices hidden?

In today's information age, the average person can empower himself or herself with knowledge like never before. But there is one notable exception: Most Americans have no idea what a health care service costs before they get it. If we expect to lower health care costs, that must change.

Companies in every other industry compete for consumers on the basis of cost and quality. Decisions made by informed consumers drive companies to deliver the products people want at prices they can afford.

Yet in health care,

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