Congressional Hearing Highlights Need for ASA-Endorsed MA Prompt Pay Legislation

During a U.S. House Ways & Means Committee Hearing, Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA) advocated for passage of the ASA-endorsed Medicare Advantage (MA) Prompt Pay Act, a bill to require MA plans to pay clean provider claims within a specified timeframe or face interest or penalties on late payments. ASA Immediate Past President Don Aronld MD, FACHE, FASA was quoted in the original press release for the legislation saying: “ASA is supportive of the Medicare Advantage Prompt Pay Act that will curtail anti-patient gamesmanship within the Medicare Advantage program and ensure that Medicare Advantage plans promptly and fairly pay physicians for the necessary care they provide.” ASA commends Rep. Sanchez and Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX) for leading this effort.

Rep. Sanchez’ comments came after a hospital system highlighted they have $4.3 billion in unpaid Medicare Advantage claims, including nearly $1 billion being more than 150 days past due.