America's Health Insurance Plans Comments on Interim Final Rule for Implementing No Surprises Act

WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 (TNSPol) -- America's Health Insurance Plans issued the following statement:

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Matt Eyles, president and CEO of AHIP, issued this statement following the release of the second interim final rule (IFR) related to the No Surprises Act. The IFRs establish new consumer protections from surprise medical billing starting in January 2022:

"No one should ever face a surprise medical bill that can lead to financial ruin. Health insurance providers strongly support measures to protect patients from surprise bills, especially for needed care in which they had no choice or control.

"The Administration's approach signals a strong commitment to consumer affordability and lower health care spending through an independent dispute resolution process that should encourage more providers to join health plan networks. We are particularly encouraged to see the rules conform to the intent of the No Surprises Act and direct that arbitration awards must begin with a presumption that the appropriate out-of-network reimbursement is the qualified payment amount. This is the right approach to encourage hospitals, health care providers, and health insurance providers to work together and negotiate in good faith. It will also ensure that arbitration does not result in unnecessary premium increases for businesses and hardworking American families.

"Americans deserve control and choice in their health care, and no one should receive a surprise bill for care they did not choose. As we continue to review the full IFR, we look forward to participating in the comment period. We remain committed to working together with the Administration and other health care stakeholders to ensure that Americans have access to affordable care they need and deserve."