The Case for Transparent Healthcare Pricing with Consumer Choice Center’s Fred Roeder — Health Policy Podcast

Fred Roeder, Managing Director of the Consumer Choice Center, discusses healthcare pricing transparency, consumer advocacy, medical debt, and healthcare regulation in the latest episode of the Health Policy Podcast. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding healthcare costs and empowering patients to make informed decisions.

WASHINGTON — May 25, 2026 — In a new episode of the Health Policy Podcast, Fred Roeder, Managing Director of the Consumer Choice Center, addresses critical issues surrounding healthcare pricing transparency. The discussion covers the challenges consumers face regarding medical debt and the need for better healthcare regulation to empower patients.

Roeder emphasizes that patients should be treated as consumers, advocating for greater transparency in healthcare pricing. He states, "Patients should be seen as consumers, and we try to empower patients and fight healthcare inflation." He points out that many Americans are unaware of the costs associated with medical procedures, leading to unexpected medical debt. "Unfortunately in the US health system, even when it comes to routine scans, it really depends to which hospital you go what you pay," Roeder adds.

The episode also explores the impact of opaque pricing on healthcare costs. Roeder notes that understanding the price of medical services is crucial for patients, especially given that the average U.S. patient faces a deductible of nearly $2,000. "Understanding what the price is is actually important for patients," he says. The conversation calls for increased consumer advocacy and regulatory measures to ensure that hospitals comply with pricing transparency rules.

The Consumer Choice Center is a global consumer advocacy group that promotes innovation and consumer rights across various sectors, including healthcare. The organization aims to empower individuals by providing them with the information necessary to make informed decisions.

About the Health Policy Podcast

The Health Policy Podcast focuses on energy, infrastructure, policy, and economic growth, featuring discussions with experts and thought leaders in the field. The show aims to inform listeners about critical health policy issues and promote dialogue on effective solutions.