Washington, D.C. – (September 19, 2023) – Today, AHIP Executive Vice President of Policy and Strategy Jeanette Thornton testified in front of the House Ways & Means Committee on surprise medical billing protections. Here are the highlights:
“Today, patients in every state are protected from most surprise medical bills. Research conducted by AHIP last year repeatedly found that the No Surprises Act was preventing approximately 1 million claims per month from reaching consumers in the form of a surprise bill. That’s 20 million claims since January of last year that did not become surprise bills.”
“Standing up sweeping new regulations and developing the infrastructure and staffing technology required to process disputes – and to do so in just over a year – has been a daunting process filled with many challenges and lessons learned. We share many of the frustrations of other health care stakeholders and members of this committee regarding the technical aspects of implementation and dispute resolution process.”
“AHIP has repeatedly come to the table with recommendations for improving the federal IDR process and there are reasonable changes that can be made to the benefit of all disputing parties. We continue to believe the tri-Departments must ensure the federal IDR process is efficient, reduces ineligible claims, facilitates on-time and accurate payments, and provides direct communication that ensures unbiased IDR entities are evaluating factors in a uniform and transparent manner that aligns with Congress’ intent and direction.”
“We remain ready to work with this Administration and Congress and future Administrations to implement the No Surprises Act and make health care more affordable. By working together and putting the best interests of patients first, we can strengthen our health care system and reduce costs for all Americans.”
Click here to read the full testimony.