Federal Agencies Release Interim Final Surprise Billing Regulations

On July 1, 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ("HHS"), Department of Labor, Internal Revenue Service, and Office of Personnel Management issued their first installment of interim final surprise billing regulations.  As explained in a  prior post, the regulations implement new requirements for group health plans, health insurance issuers, and healthcare providers and facilities that were imposed by the bipartisan No Surprises Act, which was enacted as part of a 2020 appropriations act.  The rules, " Requirements Related to Surprise Billing; Part I," prohibit surprise or balance billing for certain healthcare services.

One important aspect of the new surprise billing regulations for sponsors of group health plans and health insurance companies is its effect on billing for emergency services, out-of-network air ambulance services, and certain out-of-network services provided at an in-network facility.  If a plan or policy provides or covers any