Spending On IDR Process Pushes No Surprises Act Costs To More Than $22.4 Billion Over Just Four Years Jack HoadleyandKennah Watts August 26, 2026

The independent dispute resolution process within the No Surprises Act has contributed an estimated $22.4 billion in total costs. These costs are primarily driven by a high volume of disputes and dispute awards that far exceed expected in-network rates. https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/spending-idr-process-pushes-no-surprises-act-costs-more-than-22-4-billion-over-just?utm_campaign=forefront&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--OwEmMwLsbREFAztrdKoN0NCKaSe7Ce6aThyEHS5oU-4_Fg0hQeuFIV0ZumSS_Hnw44745kqaQ4Rz1JI4j_8yv1j-0kw&_hsmi=435825762&utm_source=well%20read The article analyzes how the No Surprises Act’s independent dispute resolution (IDR) process has affected health care spending, estimating more than $22.4 billion in costs since its implementation.