Committee advances bill letting providers or insurers opt into federal independent dispute process

Representative Bousada told the committee CS/HB 1449 would create a streamlined statewide mechanism allowing either providers or insurers to opt into the federal independent dispute resolution (IDR) process for eligible claims. He explained that Florida's state process and the federal No Surprises Act overlap for some disputes and that permitting optional use of federal IDR could reduce litigation and delay.

Steven Asuncia of HCA testified in support, describing the state process as flawed and duplicative and saying providers often spend hundreds of millions litigating payment disputes. Asuncia said the federal IDR process (often called "baseball arbitration") is quicker and less expensive because mediators decide between two submitted numbers rather than litigating complex facts about necessity or services.

Representative Bousada noted a filed amendment was withdrawn because it raised unintended consequences; he invited continued stakeholder engagement to refine language. The committee voted to report CS/HB 1449 favorably by roll call, 25 yays, 0 nays.

The sponsor said work will continue on technical issues and asked interested parties to bring suggested language.