Pallone Bill Would Halt Arbitration for Out-of-Network Physician Payments
Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., who helped author the No Surprises Act, has introduced legislation to stop arbitration over out-of-network physician pay. Under the proposal, independent dispute resolution would no longer apply to care delivered beginning in 2028.
Representative Frank Pallone Jr., who participated in drafting the No Surprises Act, has introduced a bill to end arbitration for out-of-network physician payments. The proposal would stop independent dispute resolution from applying to care delivered starting in 2028. This would remove that process for resolving certain payment disagreements. The measure is linked to Pallone's earlier work on the No Surprises Act.
If enacted, the proposal could alter how out-of-network payment disputes are resolved, affecting physicians, insurers, and patients. Physicians might face different bargaining dynamics, while insurers could adjust claims and network strategies. Patients may see indirect effects on costs, access, or billing experiences, though the exact outcomes are uncertain. Because the change would begin in 2028, affected parties could have time to prepare. The broader societal impact may depend on how health plans and providers respond.