INDIANAPOLIS (WOWO): Indiana officials have unveiled an updated version of the state’s health care price transparency platform, designed to help residents compare medical costs and make more informed health care decisions.

The tool, now known as Indiana Health Prices, provides information on hospital pricing, insurance data, prescription drug costs and billions of health care claims records collected across the state.

According to state officials, the expanded platform is intended to give Hoosiers a clearer picture of what they may pay for medical services before receiving care, allowing them to compare costs among providers and potentially reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Officials said the updated system combines multiple sources of health care pricing information into a single resource, making it easier for consumers to research costs for procedures, prescriptions and other medical services.

State leaders say greater transparency can help patients shop for care, encourage competition among providers and improve affordability throughout Indiana’s health care system.

The Indiana Health Prices website is available to the public and is intended to serve as a resource for residents evaluating treatment options, insurance coverage and health care costs.