Some of hip-hop’s greatest rappers are banding together to push for a more honest and transparent healthcare system.
On Friday,Fat Joe,Rick Ross,Busta Rhymes,Method Man,French MontanaandChuck Dteamed up withPower to the Patientsto unveil a public service announcement demanding elected officials to create a healthcare system with transparency that’s affordable and equitable.
The rappers released the PSA video on Friday, just ahead of congressional voting on healthcare transparency bills in Washington D.C.. In the video, the rapper’s are leveraging their voices to advocate for price transparency laws — and to force hospitals and insurance companies around the country to post actual prices for their services and procedures.
Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes and Fat Joe.Foc Kan/WireImage; Aaron J. Thornton/Getty; ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty
Foc Kan/WireImage; Aaron J. Thornton/Getty; ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty
“Today we confront a healthcare system that’s been rigged against all of us. Hospitals force patients to sign contracts for services without ever showing us actual prices,” the rappers recite in a joint statement, each taking turns to speak.
“Stifling competition. Overcharging without accountability and we can’t pay. These same contracts allow them to take everything we own,” they continue. “Creating so much fear that millions and millions of Americans refuse to enter a hospital. Our health and our lives at stake. This is an American humanitarian crisis.”
“We demand prices and transparency in healthcare,” the video concluded.
Method Man, French Montana and Chuck D.Jamie McCarthy/Getty; Catherine Powell/Getty; Jerritt Clark/Getty
Jamie McCarthy/Getty; Catherine Powell/Getty; Jerritt Clark/Getty
Earlier this month, lawmaker introduced a bipartisan bill called the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act which addresses price transparency, prescription drug costs and workforce investment.
While there is bipartisan support, American Hospital Association (AHA) sent a letter to House leadership last week expressing concerns about new regulations.
“The AHA supports the suspension of the Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) reductions for two years and appreciates your work to include this provision, however hospitals and health systems strongly oppose efforts to include permanent site-neutral payment cuts,” theAHA wrote. “In addition, the AHA has serious concerns about the added regulatory burdens on hospitals and health systems from the provisions to codify the Hospital Price Transparency Rule and to establish unique identifiers for off-campus hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs).”
source: people.com
