
Breaking Down Federal & State Surprise Billing Requirements for Massachusetts Physicians
In the final days of 2020, both Congress and the Massachusetts legislature passed laws related to surprise or out-of-network billing and related requirements for notice and disclosure for patients regarding network status and price transparency. The federal
“No Surprises Act”, as detailed in resources below, establishes a comprehensive statutory framework, including a ban on surprise billing, creation of an independent dispute resolution process, and patient notice and disclosure provisions. Provisions
contained in the Massachusetts Patients First Act (Section 25 of Chapter 260 of the Acts of 2020), as detailed in the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) bulletin below, similarly impose provider responsibilities for patient notice and
disclosure regarding network status and price transparency.
The Medical Society has been actively engaged on these issues, working with the state Department of Public Health and congressional stakeholders to understand this complex landscape and reconcile the competing obligations under both laws. Our advocacy,
together with the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association, has resulted in the notable delay in implementation and enforcement of penalties for the violation of the state notice provisions by the MDPH until July 31, 2022. During this time,
the MMS will continue to work with key health care stakeholders, the MDPH, and legislative and congressional members to establish a clear understanding of provider responsibilities under both state and federal law and to pursue necessary changes to
ensure a smooth implementation of the concurrent laws.
Massachusetts Medical Society Resources
- In December 2021, the MMS along with the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association held a webinar providing an overview of physician responsibilities under both the NSA and the Patients First Act. A recording of the webinar is available here and
slides from the presentation are available here.
- MMS Practice Guides:
Massachusetts Patients First Act Resources
- Department of Public Health Resources
Federal No Surprises Act Resources
- American Medical Association Resources
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Provider Resources
This information included and linked to on this page is intended to serve as a general resource and guide. It is not to be construed as legal advice. Attorneys with knowledge of the surprise billing and price transparency laws should be consulted regarding
the application of these laws to specific situations.