On Oct. 1, Massachusetts became the first state to require insurers to post real-time prices of procedures and visits, reports WBUR.

There are a few caveats: prices are not standard; posted prices may not include all charges; prices seem to change frequently; and the quality of information is weak, according to the story.

However, it's one step forward to more transparency. “This is a very big deal,” said Undersecretary for Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation Barbara Anthony. “Let the light shine in on healthcare prices.”

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