Statement from Arnold Ventures’ Mark Miller on Federal Judge’s Ruling on Surprise Billing Arbitration Process

WASHINGTON, DC — In light of the news that a federal judge in Texas struck down a critical piece of the federal rule to establish a fair arbitration process for determining out-of-network payment rates under the No Surprises Act, Mark E. Miller, the Executive Vice President of Health Care for Arnold Ventures, issued the following statement: 

“Prior to the bipartisan No Surprises Act, which went into effect on Jan. 1, 2022, millions of patients received surprise medical bills each year through no fault of their own, exposing them to unaffordable out-of-pocket costs and increasing premiums for everyone. Powerful hospitals and provider groups — many of which are private-equity-backed — are now suing to water down the law’s consumer protections. This subset of providers is attempting to maintain the profits they have made off of the predatory practice of surprise billing at the expense of patients and families. 

“Based on evidence from the states, yesterday’s decision will make health care more expensive for consumers and employers and only serves to benefit providers who are focused on protecting their profits. According to congressional committee chairs in the House and Senate with jurisdiction over the No Surprises Act, the Administration has implemented the law consistent with congressional intent. We continue to support the efforts of the Administration to implement these important patient protections in a way that improves the affordability and accessibility of health care.”