US House Committee Holds Hearing with Health System CEOs

On April 28, 2026, the US House Committee on Ways and Means began a hearing to examine the rising costs of healthcare.

This session targets hospital pricing and the influence of major health systems, following a previous inquiry into insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers.

With hospital spending accounting for 31% of total US healthcare costs, lawmakers are questioning leaders from HCA Healthcare, CommonSpirit Health, New York-Presbyterian, and ECU Health.

A primary focus is market consolidation, as data shows that in 83% of metropolitan areas, a few systems control the majority of the market.

The committee is also discussing 'site-neutral' payments, which could lower costs by standardizing reimbursement rates.

This legislative effort aligns with the administration's goal of increasing transparency and shifting control to patients.

Amid intense lobbying efforts between hospitals and insurers, both Republicans and Democrats are seeking solutions to address the affordability crisis, though they often disagree on the root causes and preferred regulatory interventions.