CBO: Ways & Means Surprise Billing Fix Would Save $17.8 Billion

The Congressional Budget Office estimates the House Ways & Means Committee's surprise billing proposal, which relies heavily on mediation and arbitration, would save roughly $17.8 billion over the course of 10 years. In contrast, CBO found the House Energy & Commerce and Senate health committees’ proposal, which relies on a benchmark payment rate, would save about $22 billion over the same period. Although providers favor arbitration, several lawmakers and budget experts have warned that adding arbitration to a surprise billing...