No Surprises Act of 2021: Out-of-Network Payment Disputes
Ending Surprise Medical Bills
The No Surprises Act of 2021 provides federal protections for patients against surprise billing and balance billing for certain services. Out-of-network providers are generally prohibited from balance billing Commercial members for the following services:
- Out-of-network emergency care
- Certain non-emergent services by out-of-network providers during visits to in-network facilities
- Out-of-network air ambulance services
Visit CMS’ website for more information.
Open Negotiation Process
Out-of-network claims that qualify for No Surprises Act protections are priced by Harvard Pilgrim at the Qualified Payment Amount (QPA). Out-of-network providers who disagree with the QPA may initiate a 30-business-day open negotiation process by contacting the delegate specified on your explanation of payment. We utilize several delegates for pricing out-of-network claims, including:
Zelis:
- Phone: 888-266-3053
- Email: NSA@Zelis.com
ClearHealth Strategies
- Phone: 800-280-0277
- Email: claiminquiry@clearhs.com
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
- Phone: 800-708-4414
- Email: provider_callcenter@point32health.org
For more information, refer to the open negotiation process request form
Independent Dispute Resolution
If an agreement cannot be reached through the open negotiation process, the out-of-network provider may request an Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) through the CMS website within 4 business days.