Quick answer: Washington is a bifurcated state. Some disputes are governed by Washington's own specified state law, while others default to the federal No Surprises Act IDR process depending on the plan type and service involved.
Washington's specified state law applies to emergency services up to stabilization (including behavioral health emergency services) and non-emergency services by out-of-network providers at in-network facilities. The federal IDR process applies mainly to air ambulance services. Washington is also one of six states that allows self-funded ERISA plans to voluntarily opt into the state process.
Federal No Surprises Act protections took effect January 1, 2022. State-specific protections vary — check the official source below for exact effective dates in this state.
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