The bill, H.R. 5826 (116), passed by voice vote after a largely rancor free markup, envisions negotiations between health plans and providers who could submit disputes to an independent mediator if there's an impasse. The approach is viewed as more favorable to doctors and hospitals than rival legislation, H.R. 5800 (116), the House Education and Labor Committee approved on Tuesday, that would establish a federal benchmark payment to settle disputes and offer the option to go to arbitration for bills over $750.

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