Health Care Cost Transparency Board
Here in Washington, we believe transparency is the key to improving access to quality health care at a lower cost. Value—which is providing high-quality, affordable health care—is something we are dedicated to and strive for. The Health Care Cost Transparency Board (Cost Board) is committed to ensuring health care affordability for all Washingtonians.
On this page
Learn more about the Health Care Cost Transparency Board!
Why have the Cost Board?
Health care spending continues to rise at an alarming rate, outpacing both inflation and wages. This makes health care unaffordable for working families across the state and keeps them from getting the care they need. According to KFF Health News polling data,
- Four in five adults worry about affording health care now or in the future.
- One in four adults say that in the past 12 months they have skipped or postponed getting health care they needed because of the cost.
- Over twenty percent of adults say they have not filled a prescription because of the cost.
High health care costs also strain the budgets of businesses and government agencies that are paying for health coverage.
Objective data and findings help us understand the underlying causes of rising health care costs. We’re starting out by collecting and analyzing data on cost trends. Using this information—which health plans provided and provider organizations validated—we can identify how best to rein in health care spending growth. Those conversations will be with stakeholders across the health care system continuum.
- Read our one-pager about the Cost Board.
- Read our FAQ.
- Visit our advisory pages:
Have high health care costs impacted you?
We are collecting stories to share how Washington State's efforts to rein in health care spending and the work of the Health Care Cost Transparency Board can benefit the people of Washington. We will share these stories on the HCA website and social media accounts. We want to inform and inspire others to follow and support the work of the Cost Board, too! Submit your story.
How did the Cost Board start?
Washingtonians are paying more and more for their health care. Rising health care prices also affect how health care plans (payers) pay providers. The Health Care Cost Transparency Board (House Bill 2457) was signed into law in 2020, with the purpose of reducing health care cost growth and increasing price transparency.
For more information, visit our Resources pages.
How are board members selected?
The Cost Board is comprised of primarily health care purchasers, including representatives of consumers and business and labor, who are appointed by the Governor. Learn about our board members.
Members of advisory committees are recruited and selected by the Cost Board’s Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee is comprised of at least three members of the board. Their job is to ensure an effective and appropriate mix of representation and diversity (including gender, geography, expertise, background, and qualifications) when selecting advisory committee members who adhere to the strategic vision of the board. Learn more about applying for an advisory committee position.
Public comment
Public comment is now open for this year’s Health Care Cost Transparency Board (Cost Board) legislative report. This draft report outlines:
- The work of the Cost Board and its advisory committees since 2023
- Recommendations for reducing health care expenditures
- Health care system spending trends
- And more
Public comment is open from November 4–18, 2024.
Reports
- Read the report Health care spending growth in Washington, 2017–2019 and the report summary (June 2024)
- View the 2023 annual report to the Legislature (September 2023)
- View the 2022 annual report to the Legislature (October 2022)