CMS finalizes overhaul of No Surprises Act independent dispute resolution process

HHS, Labor, and Treasury issued a final rule reforming the independent dispute resolution process under the No Surprises Act. The rule aims to reduce administrative burdens for payers and providers and stabilize the arbitration system following early operational struggles. Changes include revised timelines for payment determinations and adjusted qualification standards for IDR entities. The reforms target a system that saw 60,000 dispute submissions in its first year. Watch for implementation guidance from the agencies; the new procedures will govern all out-of-network payment disputes for services covered under the NSA.