Health CEOs Face Cost Questions in Congress

The House Ways and Means Committee held a hearing to probe why health care costs keep climbing. Instead of defending their own practices, the CEOs from big hospital groups stepped up to point out how political decisions by the opposing party push prices higher. Earlier this year, insurance leaders had been asked to explain rising costs, but they blamed hospitals and drug makers. Now the spotlight is on the hospitals themselves. The CEOs present included leaders from HCA Healthcare, which runs 190 for‑profit hospitals, and CommonSpirit Health, a nonprofit network with 158 facilities. Other speakers were from New York‑Presbyterian and North Carolina’s ECU Health. During the session, committee members noted that policy choices outside of hospital walls—like federal regulations and reimbursement rules—are major drivers of price hikes.They asked the CEOs how their systems can keep care affordable while still covering operating costs. The CEOs answered that they are working with lawmakers to find solutions, but also urged the committee to consider broader reforms. They emphasized that hospitals alone cannot shoulder the burden of rising drug prices and insurance premiums. The hearing highlighted a split in responsibility: lawmakers, insurers, hospitals, and drug companies all play roles. The goal is to find a balanced approach that keeps care accessible without stifling innovation or patient safety. The committee will review the testimony and may hold follow‑up meetings with other stakeholders.