Shining a light on hospital prices

What would happen if hospitals openly shared their prices? [Click here to view this message in your web-browser](. Edition: US 30 January 2019 [The Conversation]( Academic rigor, journalistic flair Editor's note At the beginning of this year, a new federal rule forced U.S. hospitals to post their prices publicly. The rollout has been messy, and most lists are indecipherable for the average consumer. But what would it look like [if transparent pricing was actually done right](? University of Michigan economist Zach Brown investigates a data comparison tool that saved money for patients in New Hampshire. You still have another week before you can hear what President Donald Trump thinks of the State of the Union when he gives his postponed address to Congress on Feb. 5. To help you wait, we asked [three economists to deliver their own alternative State of the Union](, with assessments of how the country is doing on trade, health care and the national debt. And as Facebook approaches its 15th birthday, Wayne State communications scholar Elizabeth Stoycheff explains why [users’ relationships with the site have changed]( from “friends” to “it’s complicated.” Aviva Rutkin Big Data + Applied Mathematics Editor Top stories Many patients are surprised to learn what their health care procedures cost. 9dream studio/shutterstock.com [What would happen if hospitals openly shared their prices?]( Zach Y. Brown, University of Michigan Hospitals are now required to post their prices online. This approach is unlikely to change US health care – but better price transparency tools could actually reduce costs. A hallowed chamber for an important address. AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite [What 3 economists say about the state of the union]( David Bishai, Johns Hopkins University; James Lake, Southern Methodist University; Steven Pressman, Colorado State University With Trump's State of the Union address delayed, we asked a few economists to cover for him, offering their takes on trade, health care economics and the national debt. How do you feel about Facebook? AlesiaKan/Shutterstock.com [How Facebook went from friend to frenemy]( Elizabeth Stoycheff, Wayne State University Facebook users no longer see the site as a confidant. They're struggling with how to deal with a messy codependence – and whether to just break up and move on with healthier friends. Health + Medicine - [Cannabidiol: Rising star or popular fad?]( Jenny Wilkerson, University of Florida; Lance McMahon, University of Florida Cannabidiol, or CBD, is being touted in popular culture as a miracle cure-all. From creams to gummies and more, CBD has exploded onto the health scene. 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