Kaiser Permanente is a healthcare company that provides medical services and insurance to over 12 million members in the United States. In order to receive care or coverage from Kaiser Permanente, members are required to sign a Kaiser arbitration agreement.
So, what exactly is a Kaiser arbitration agreement? It is a legal agreement between the member and Kaiser Permanente that requires any disputes to be resolved through arbitration rather than through a court of law.
Arbitration is a process where a neutral third party, known as an arbitrator, reviews evidence and hears arguments from both sides before making a decision. The decision reached by the arbitrator is final and binding, meaning that both parties must abide by the decision.
The Kaiser arbitration agreement contains several important clauses that members should be aware of before signing. These clauses include:
1. Waiver of the right to a jury trial: By signing the arbitration agreement, members give up their right to have their case heard in court with a jury.
2. Choice of law: The arbitration agreement also specifies which state`s laws will apply to the dispute.
3. Confidentiality: The arbitration process is private and the proceedings are generally not open to the public.
4. Limitations on damages: Depending on the specific arbitration agreement, there may be limits on the amount of damages that can be awarded.
It is important to note that the Kaiser arbitration agreement is a binding contract and members cannot opt-out of it once they have signed. This means that if a dispute arises, it will be resolved through arbitration rather than through a court of law.
Some individuals may have concerns about the fairness of arbitration, as the arbitrator is chosen by the parties involved in the dispute. However, studies have shown that arbitration can be a quicker and less expensive option for resolving disputes compared to going to court.
In summary, the Kaiser arbitration agreement is a legal agreement that members must sign in order to receive healthcare services and insurance coverage from Kaiser Permanente. The agreement requires disputes to be resolved through arbitration rather than through a court of law, and contains several important clauses that members should be aware of before signing. While arbitration may not be the perfect solution for every dispute, it is generally a faster and less expensive option compared to going to court.