Health care costs up to 300% higher for privately insured patients than those with Medicare, report reveals

Patients who have private insurance may end up paying significantly more for medical care compared to those who have public health insurance, such as Medicare, according to a report.

As of 2022, employers and private insurance companies paid an average of 254% more for medical services than what Medicare programs would have paid. "This is real price transparency — naming the hospitals and presenting their overall relative prices in a way that anyone could understand." "Due to its size, Medicare can negotiate lower payments — but private insurers lack this leverage." "The system is fundamentally flawed, designed to profit from illness rather than promote health." Melissa Rudy is health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.

Several states — California, Florida, Georgia, New York, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Wisconsin — had medical costs that were more than 300% higher than Medicare prices, the report stated.