For plan sponsors, the Healthcare Price Transparency Executive Order has far-reaching implications, offering opportunities to manage costs more effectively, enhance plan sustainability and deliver clearer value to employees.

Ed Kaplan, the national health practice leader at Segal, also has concerns about "any willing provider" strategies.

The new executive order could affect enforcement of regulations that apply to hospitals and health plans.

As the new Congress and administration settle in and begin working on legislative priorities, leading health care advocacy groups are weighing in with their recommendations on how to improve affordability and access to high-quality care.