HHS streamlines medical billing dispute resolution
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services finalized a rule to improve the arbitration process for out-of-network payment disputes under the No Surprises Act. The new regulations lower administrative fees from $115 to $15 and allow for batching claims to reduce costs.
The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finalized a rule on Thursday to streamline out-of-network payment disputes between healthcare providers and insurers. The regulation slashes administrative fees from $115 to $15 per party per dispute to reduce overhead costs. This overhaul aims to stabilize the arbitration process established by the 2020 No Surprises Act.
### Lowering Barriers to Dispute Resolution The new rule targets the Federal Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) process, which handles cases where insurers and providers cannot agree on payment for out-of-network care. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz stated the update makes improvements to arbitration by reducing ineligible disputes and lowering costs for all participants.
