Can transparency help keep LTC costs down?

One of the complaints about our health care system is that consumers have little insight into the cost for a particular medical procedure - for example, comparing what a hospital charges for a procedure can be difficult to find, and hospitals don't want to share that information for fear that consumers will shop for the best value in coverage.

Perhaps we can learn something from LTC insurers, who have been publishing cost information on home, assisted living and extended care facilities for some time.  The video below from Genworth shows that consumers can negotiate rates, especially when armed with information.  Have you ever used cost of care information to negotiate a better care rate, either for a family member or client?  Add your comments below....