On behalf of tens of thousands of physicians represented by our societies, and the hundreds of thousands of patients they treat each year, we are writing to you to strongly oppose a proposal within Part E of the Executive Budget Health & Mental Hygiene bill that would eliminate the right of physicians to bring a claim dispute to the Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) process for various public health insurance plans.

Enrollees in New York’s Medicaid managed care plans are ensured full access to healthcare providers in emergency situations by the New York State IDR surprise Bill law. When New Yorkers suffer a stroke, heart attack, brain trauma –timing is critical. Immediate medical efforts and access to the best life- saving care are of the utmost importance.