Lower Premiums, Faster Payments Act
Term Dictionary
If you come across any unfamiliar words while reading, these resources can help make everything clearer. Pick whichever one works best for you!
- Congress.gov Legislative Glossary - Comprehensive congressional terms
- NVFC Congressional Terms Glossary - Concise, easy-to-understand definitions
The gist
Ends the arbitration process for surprise medical bills starting 2028. Insurers would pay a set rate tied to 2019 median contracted prices, adjusted for inflation.
Who wins, who loses
- Wins: insured patients and employers hoping for lower premiums; insurance companies gain predictable costs.
- Loses: hospitals, anesthesiologists, ER doctors, and air ambulance providers who used arbitration to win higher payments.
What it does
- Eliminates the Independent Dispute Resolution process for services furnished on or after January 1, 2028.
- Sets out-of-network pay at the Qualifying Payment Amount: median 2019 contracted rates plus Consumer Price Index inflation.
- Requires insurers to pay providers within 30 days of billing.
- Bars courts from reviewing how the payment amount is calculated; expands annual federal audits.
Why should I care?
Surprise bills from out-of-network ER doctors can wreck family finances. Supporters say arbitration drove up premiums everyone pays. Critics argue fixing rates to 2019 prices underpays doctors and could close rural hospitals. Where do you land? Vote below and use "Tell Your Rep" to make sure your voice reaches Congress.