STAT+: Provider, insurer groups rush to shape No Surprises Act arbitration rules

STAT PlusPolitics Provider, insurer groups rush to shape No Surprises Act arbitration rules The law has protected patients, but its costs are soaring as far more disputes are funneled through arbitration Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Tara BannowMay 11, 2026 Hospitals and Insurance Reporter Tara Bannow[email protected]Tara Bannow covers hospitals, providers, and insurers. You can reach Tara on Signal at tarabannow.70. Any day now, the federal government is supposed to unveil a suite of changes to the No Surprises Act’s controversial arbitration process.

Health care providers and insurers are racing to have the final word before the new rules are published, but one side is getting a lot more face time with officials. The four agencies crafting the Independent Dispute Resolution Operations final rule have held 20 meetings — mostly virtual — with industry groups so far this year. Just four of those were with health insurers or their trade groups.

Thirteen were with providers or their trade groups, and another three were with other sectors. Stakeholders can request to meet with agency officials to highlight their priorities and submit relevant materials. Advertisement The final rule has been a long time coming.

The departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, Treasury, and the Office of Personnel Management released an initial version of the rule in November 2023. The proposed changes include tweaks to how claims can be grouped together, more transparency into pre-arbitration negotiations, and changes to fees. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account?

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