Last week, Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., along with a bipartisan group of physicians and healthcare advocates in Congress, introduced the No Surprises Act Enforcement Act (HR 9572), a critical step in reinforcing the No Surprises Act (NSA), which went into effect in 2020. This legislation strengthens the original law, which protects patients from unexpected out-of-network medical bills. Over the last few years, the healthcare community has been impacted by the ongoing enforcement issues, which this bill addresses by closing gaps and increasing penalties for insurers that do not meet statutory payment deadlines.  

Delays in reimbursement not only burden physicians but also impact patient access to care. By imposing, and enforcing, stricter penalties on non-compliant parties and increasing transparency in reporting requirements, the proposed bill works towards ensuring the original intent of the No Surprises Act is upheld. This measure is a direct response to the over 16,000 complaints received by Medicare, many involving delayed payments or insurers refusing to pay after disputes were settled. The bill's sponsors, several of whom are physicians, bring a deep understanding of the healthcare system. This firsthand experience provides them with a powerful perspective on crafting legislation that benefits both physicians and patients.  

For physicians, healthcare leaders, and advocates, this legislation marks a significant step in improving the implementation of the No Surprises Act. By holding insurers accountable and promoting transparency, the No Surprises Act Enforcement Act allows healthcare providers to focus on delivering high-quality care without the uncertainty of delayed or missing payments, ultimately improving both financial stability and patient outcomes. 

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