This month, a federal rule requiring certain private health plans to disclose the rates they pay providers for covered healthcare services takes effect. The Trump-era regulation, along with a similar rule requiring hospitals to publish their prices, is an example of the previous administration’s drive to make the healthcare system more transparent.

Such transparency is sorely needed. It can empower patients to make more informed decisions about their care — and reduce costs throughout the entire healthcare system. Under this month’s new rule, individual and group health plans must publish the prices they negotiate with in-network providers and disclose the maximum price they’ll pay for care from an out-of-network provider.