Find common questions and answers about the program including links to resources and payment methods.
IDR FAQ & Resources
General Federal IDR Questions
Covered out of network (OON) Emergency services, Covered OON Air Ambulance services, Covered services provided by an OON provider during an in-network facility visit. Read more about the eligibility guidelines.
You can start a dispute on the IDR Initiation Form. Maximus’s IDR entity ID should be selected if you want Maximus as your IDRE.
Within 4 business days after the close of the open negotiation period (unless the “cooling off period” is applicable). Read more about the cooling-off guidelines.
Batching allows grouping multiple related items under one dispute if they share identical service codes or fall within the same Category I CPT code range. See the full batching and bundling guidelines for detailed criteria.
Multiple items billed under a single service code or a single payment/denial covering multiple items. Read more about bundled disputes on the eligibility guidelines page.
Batching allows an initiating party to submit multiple related items or services for a single IDR dispute represented as a single patient encounter, identical service codes, or a Category I CPT code section.
Bundled disputes contain multiple items and services, but are represented by a single service code or single payment by one of the parties involved.
The cooling off period is a 90-calendar-day window after a payment determination during which the initiating party cannot submit another dispute for the same or similar items with the same non-initiating party.
Read more about the cooling off period on the eligibility guidelines page.
Read more about general suggestions for documentation on documentation page.
For an objection to be considered, the information should be included in the IDRE Selection Response Form. You should provide documentation to support the eligibility objections. Objections should not be made after the selection of the IDRE.
If you haven’t received a Notice of Offer, please contact us at FedNSAArbitrations@maximus.com. Please ensure to include the dispute number and contact info.
For requests to extend the dispute process, contact CMS directly at FederalIDRQuestions@cms.hhs.gov.
To request the withdrawal of a dispute, please contact us at FedNSAArbitrations@maximus.com.
To schedule recurring meetings, please contact our Account Manager at courtneyrwilson@maximus.com.
Payment Questions
Fastest way to pay:
- Use an eCheck or credit card online at maximusdisputepayments.com
Mail a check:
- Maximus Federal, Attn: Fed NSA, PO Box 791753, Baltimore, MD 21279-1188
Send check overnight:
- Maximus, Inc., Attention 791753, 1000 Stewart Avenue, Glen Burnie, MD 21061
You can access the payment portal here https://maximusdisputepayments.com/.
For questions regarding the payment portal, please contact: FedNSAPaymentPortal@maximus.com.
Please contact FedNSAPaymentPortal@maximus.com and we will assist you with registration.
Please contact us at FedNSAArbitrations@maximus.com. Please ensure to include the dispute number and contact info.
Making payments
Maximus has a specially designed payment portal for providers and insurance company representatives to make fee payments
Payment portal
Providers and representatives can make fee payments online with a credit / debit card or by eCheck and receive refunds. To get started, click the “Sign Up” link on the home page to create a new account. This is the fastest way to make a payment.
Payment portalMail a check
Maximus Federal
Attn: Fed NSA
PO Box 791753
Baltimore, MD 21279-1188
Send check overnight
Maximus, Inc.
Attention 791753
1000 Stewart Avenue
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
Learn more
- Payment Portal Guide Payment Submissions Job Aid link
- For technical issues or concerns, please email us at the following: FedNSAPaymentPortal@maximus.com.
CMS resources
- A centralized CMS portal that enables providers and health plans to initiate, track, and resolve out-of-network payment disputes under the No Surprises Act: Start a Dispute
- A quick-reference guide for completing the CMS IDR Notice of Initiation form, initiating a federal IDR dispute: Notice of Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) Initiation Web Form User Guide (use current link - Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) Notice of Offer Web Form User Guide)
- A CMS resource outlining guidance, tools, and common pitfalls to help disputing parties prepare and submit IDR disputes effectively: Helpful Tips and Tools for Initiating an IDR Dispute
- A quick-reference guide for reviewing and responding to certified IDR entity selection in the federal dispute process: Certified Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) Entity Selection Response Web Form User Guide
- A step-by-step guide for correcting and resubmitting an IDR initiation request in the CMS portal: Notice of Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) Initiation – Resubmission Web Form User Guide
- An overview of the IDR Notice of Offer web form and tips for successfully completing and submitting it in the CMS portal: Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) Notice of Offer Web Form User Guide
- A CMS hub providing rules, fact sheets, and guidance on No Surprises Act protections and payment dispute processes: Overview of rules & fact sheets
- A detailed CMS guide explaining how disputing parties navigate the federal IDR process from negotiation through resolution: Federal Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) Process Guidance for Disputing Parties
- A quick-reference chart for determining which dispute resolution process applies—federal IDR, state law, or an All-Payer Model: Basic State - Territory IDR Deeming Chart