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Thompson Hine LLP, a full-service business law firm with approximately 400 lawyers in 11 offices, was ranked number 1 in the category “Most innovative North American law firms: New working models” by The Financial Times and was 1 of 7 firms shortlisted for The American Lawyer’s inaugural Legal Services Innovation Award. The firm has been recognized by the National Law Journal as a Legal Technology Trailblazer and featured by Bloomberg for its innovative service delivery models, which drive accuracy and predictability. The firm’s commitment to innovation is embodied in Thompson Hine SmartPaTHTM – a smarter way to work – predictable, efficient and aligned with client goals. For more information, please visit ThompsonHine.com and ThompsonHine.com/SmartPaTH.

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Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026 Time: 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET Location: Virtual Contact: Diane Weber, <a href="mailto:Diane.Weber@ThompsonHine.com?subject=2026 Brown Bag Benefits Webinar 8.20.2026">Diane.Weber@ThompsonHine.com</a>

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A webinar series presented by Thompson Hine LLP

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Join us for the next session in our 2026 Brown Bag Benefits webinar series — quick and concise lunchtime programs designed to deliver timely updates on employee benefits matters without taking up too much space on your calendar. Each 30-minute session provides practical insights on emerging legal developments and regulatory trends impacting plan sponsors and benefit professionals.

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No Surprises, Bigger Bills? How the IDR Process Is Impacting Costs for Group Health Plans

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The No Surprises Act was designed to protect patients from unexpected medical bills, but its implementation has significantly reshaped the landscape of out-of-network reimbursement. The Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) process has emerged as a key driver of increased claims costs for self-funded group health plans. In this session, Thompson Hine lawyers <a href="https://www.thompsonhine.com/professionals/kim-wilcoxon/">Kim Wilcoxon</a> and <a href="https://www.thompsonhine.com/professionals/shira-mckinlay/">Shira McKinlay</a> will provide employers with a practical analysis of how the IDR framework is operating in practice, recent court decisions influencing payment determinations, and why arbitration outcomes may be disproportionately favoring providers. Attendees will gain insight into financial exposure trends, fiduciary considerations, and proactive strategies for managing escalating claims payments and dispute risk in this evolving regulatory environment.

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2026 Brown Bag Benefits – No Surprises, Bigger Bills? How the IDR Process Is Impacting Costs for Group Health Plans