Legislative Update

ASA, ACEP and ACR oppose proposal to replace federal IDR

Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists · October 8, 2026

Summary published October 19, 2026

Physician organizations oppose the Lower Premiums, Faster Payments Act and call for targeted reforms that preserve independent arbitration.

What are the organizations opposing?

In an October 8 release, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), and American College of Radiology (ACR) opposed the Lower Premiums, Faster Payments Act, introduced by Rep. Frank Pallone. They describe the proposal as replacing federal independent dispute resolution with insurer-calculated payment rates.

Why do they object?

The groups argue that independent arbitration provides an important check on low insurer payments. They attribute high dispute volumes partly to low initial payments, disputed qualifying payment amounts, and insurer nonparticipation. These are the organizations’ positions, as presented in their release.

What changes do they support?

The organizations favor stronger enforcement of unpaid awards, fewer ineligible disputes, greater transparency, and measures addressing unusually large awards. They also call for implementation of existing regulatory and court-directed reforms before broader changes to the system.

Does this announcement change current claim procedures?

The release announces opposition to proposed legislation; it does not announce a new payment rule taking effect. Provider teams should distinguish legislative proposals from operative requirements when planning claim reviews and dispute workflows.