UnitedHealth Pushes for IDR System Overhaul Amid Frustration
UnitedHealth Group executives expressed frustration during a conference for healthcare investors in Boston about the No Surprises Act independent dispute resolution system. Wayne DeVeydt, chief financial officer of UnitedHealth, discussed the company's struggles with high IDR system awards to doctors and hospitals involved in disputes over out-of-network claims.
The cost of IDR system awards is one factor holding down UnitedHealth's margins and pushing up 2027 rates, according to DeVeydt. He stated that 'with IDR, we're pricing for what we're seeing out there,' which puts more pressure on affordability for consumers.
UnitedHealth wants Congress to change the IDR system rules, with DeVeydt saying 'we're putting a lot of sunlight on the IDR process' and 'the greatest disinfectant is sunlight.' The company also expressed concerns about an IDR system loophole being taken advantage of by a few companies.