No Surprises Act Reform: One to Watch in the Lame-Duck Session

As Congress prepares for the lame-duck session following the November midterm elections, health care legislation could be among the issues lawmakers seek to address before the 119th Congress adjourns. The debate over the No Surprises Act is one example of how targeted health care proposals may gain attention during this year-end window.

Enacted in 2020, the No Surprises Act protects patients from certain unexpected out-of-network medical bills. However, concerns about provider reimbursement, delayed payments, and the federal independent dispute resolution (IDR) process have prompted calls for reform.

In October, Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ) introduced legislation proposing significant changes to the law’s dispute resolution process, highlighting continued congressional interest in how the law operates. Meanwhile, provider organizations are urging Congress to strengthen enforcement and ensure timely payments for services.

For the American Academy of Audiology, the debate underscores the importance of monitoring the lame-duck agenda for opportunities to advance audiology priorities. Although action on any particular bill remains uncertain, year-end negotiations can create openings for targeted health care reforms.