Brookings: No Surprises IDR Process May Hike Costs, Premiums

The No Surprises Act’s independent dispute resolution (IDR) mechanism that Congress’ scorekeeper had believed would reduce costs over the first decade may end up raising in-network prices and premiums, according to a recent Brookings Institution report analyzing the first tranche of IDR outcome data released by CMS in February, which suggest lawmakers’ goal of ending surprise billing without increasing rates is in jeopardy. It’s a pretty shocking outcome considering congressional committee leaders, the Congressional Budget Office and other experts believed...