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

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.&#x A0; 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.  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. Continue to STAT+ to read the full story…