A Sept. 5 MGMA Stat poll found that about 1 out of 6 practices report that their health plans charge transaction fees, typically ranging from 2-5%, to receive payments for medical services via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). As part of an effort in the Affordable Care Act to decrease healthcare administrative inefficiencies, CMS mandated a standardized EFT transaction and since 2014 health plans are required to offer EFT should providers request it. Contrary to the intent of the law, and despite the fact that health plans themselves save on printing and mailing costs, many practices are required to pay these EFT tolls. MGMA continues to strongly advocate that CMS issue guidance preventing health plans and payment vendors from charging these fees. Review the MGMA member-benefit EFT and ERA Guide.