No Surprises Act

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

Providers must inform all self-pay and uninsured patients that a good faith estimate of charges is available.

A good faith estimate of expected charges must be given to the patient within specified time frames (e.g., for services scheduled at least 3 days prior to the appointment date, no later than 1 business day after the date of scheduling).

The estimate is not binding. However, patients may challenge a bill if the charges substantially exceed the estimated amount( any amount over $400).

If there are changes to the information in the good faith estimate, a new estimate should be provided.

The estimate can include anticipated charges for recurring services that are expected to be provided within the next 12 months (e.g., 10-20 psychotherapy sessions). If treatment continues beyond 12 months, the provider must give the patient a new estimate. Please note this is NOT a treatment recommendation, rather just a form created to ensure patients do not receive surprise bills they did not expect.

• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.

• Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.

• If you receive a session bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.

• Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit

www.cms.gov/nosurprises