Montana legislator says Montana hospital prices are out of control

By BOBBY CAINA CALVAN

Associated Press

HELENA — Alarmed by rising health care costs, a Montana legislator is seeking to impose price controls on hospitals and place them under the authority of the state’s public service commission.

Democratic Rep. Tom Woods of Bozeman asserted Wednesday before the House Human Services Committee that Montana Hospitals have a virtual monopoly in many communities. He said he wants the PSC to review any increases in pricing.

As expected, hospitals pushed back against the bill.

Montana Hospital Association Vice President Bob Olsen pointedly denied that h...