No Surprises Act prevents about 50 million surprise bills as arbitration's four-year cost is estimated at $22.4 billion
Law aimed at protecting patients from certain out-of-network charges sees provider disputes far exceed estimates, while Murtagh warns arbitration could raise insurance costs as Congress considers changes
The No Surprises Act has prevented about 50 million surprise medical bills since taking effect in 2022, but the law's arbitration process for resolving payment disputes between providers and health plans has grown far beyond expectations, generating over 2 million disputes last year compared with an initial government estimate of 17,000. Murtagh says arbitration is adding to insurance costs and could lead to higher premiums for consumers.