UNH · News · 20260915N
No Surprises Act Cost Impact
UNITEDHEALTH GROUP INC · 2026-09-15 · Importance 40 · Surprise 42 · In source text
UnitedHealth is advocating changes to the No Surprises Act’s independent dispute resolution (IDR) system in the United States. The company says high IDR awards to healthcare providers are increasing commercial health coverage costs and pressuring margins. CFO Wayne DeVeydt said UnitedHealth is pricing for these higher costs, which could further affect consumer affordability. UnitedHealth also alleges that some companies are exploiting loopholes in the IDR system and is seeking congressional attention to the issue.
Key facts
- UnitedHealth is advocating for changes to the No Surprises Act's independent dispute resolution (IDR) system, claiming that high IDR awards to healthcare providers are increasing commercial health coverage costs and impacting their margins. source
- CFO Wayne DeVeydt stated that the company is "pricing for what we’re seeing out there," which he said puts more pressure on consumer affordability. source
- UnitedHealth believes some companies are exploiting loopholes in the IDR system and wants Congress to understand these practices. source
Impact estimates
| metric | direction | stage | expected | basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| margin | negative | contingent | — | UnitedHealth is advocating for changes to the No Surprises Act's independent dispute resolution (IDR) system, claiming that high IDR… |