This afternoon, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released its first regulation implementing provisions of the No Surprises Act. On Dec. 27, 2020, the No Surprises Act was signed into law as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, with the goal of protecting patients from receiving surprise medical bills. The law, in part, allows providers and insurers to use an independent dispute resolution (IDR) process when disagreements arise over reimbursement. MGMA was successful in advocating that Congress forbid arbitrators from considering public payer reimbursement rates during the IDR process. The law goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2022.

For more information, review HHS’ fact sheet and the interim final rule. MGMA will release a comprehensive analysis of the rule to members in the coming weeks.