UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has announced a partnership with the nonprofit Power to the Patients, aiming to combat hidden healthcare costs. Jones likened this initiative to a major fight, stating, "This next fight for me is a personal one, but it's not just for me. It's for every American who has ever been bullied, robbed or deceived." He specifically called out hospitals, pharmacy benefit managers, and insurance companies for their lack of price transparency.
This initiative aligns with former President Trump's efforts during his first term to mandate healthcare price transparency. Trump implemented rules requiring hospitals and insurers to publicly disclose their prices, empowering patients to make informed decisions and fostering competition. He has criticized the Biden administration for not enforcing these rules effectively.
Jones emphasized the importance of price awareness, stating that individuals should know the cost difference between a $600 and a $6,000 MRI. He stressed that advocating for honesty and accountability in healthcare shouldn't be necessary in the United States.
Medical bills are a significant contributor to bankruptcy in the U.S. A 2019 National Institutes of Health study revealed that a majority of surveyed debtors cited medical expenses as a contributing factor to their financial struggles.
Trump has asserted that proper enforcement of his price transparency rules could have reduced healthcare costs by 50% to 60%. He attributed the lack of enforcement to the healthcare industry's powerful lobby. While Jones and Trump are allies, the issue of healthcare price transparency has garnered bipartisan support, with members of both parties advocating for increased transparency.
Power to the Patients has collaborated with several high-profile figures, including musicians Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Fat Joe, and Method Man. Jones expressed his pride in joining the organization, aiming to hold hospitals and insurance companies accountable for undisclosed pricing practices. He highlighted the lack of transparency and accountability in the healthcare system, leading to overcharges, price gouging, and surprise bills.
A White House spokesperson reiterated the Trump administration's commitment to lowering healthcare costs and empowering patients with the information needed to make informed decisions.
