No Surprises Act
Your Right to a Good Faith Estimate
What Is a Good Faith Estimate?
A Good Faith Estimate is a written list of expected charges for health care items or services you may receive. The No Surprises Act is a federal law that went into effect on January 1, 2022, and requires health care providers — including mental health providers — to give this estimate to individuals who do not have insurance or who choose not to use their insurance to pay for care.
A Good Faith Estimate is not a bill. It is not a contract, and it does not require you to obtain services from any provider listed in the estimate. It is an estimate — actual items, services, or charges may differ.
Your Rights Under This Law
- You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency health care services, including psychotherapy services.
- You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service, or at any time during treatment.
- Usually, providers must give you a Good Faith Estimate when you schedule care at least 3 business days in advance, or when you request one.
- If you receive a 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 your records.
Who Does This Apply To?
These protections apply to individuals in the United States who do not have health insurance, or who have health insurance but are choosing not to use it to pay for their care.
Individuals enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, Indian Health Services, Veterans Affairs Health Care, TRICARE, or other federal health care programs have separate protections. For more information, visit cms.gov/medical-bill-rights.
Disputing a Bill
If a bill from your provider is at least $400 more than the Good Faith Estimate from that provider, you may be able to dispute the bill. An independent third party will review your bill and determine an appropriate payment.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, how to dispute a bill, or how to submit a complaint, visit the federal resources below or call 1-800-985-3059.
Important Information
A Good Faith Estimate should include the expected charges for health care items and services your provider anticipates. However, you may need care that was not anticipated at the time the estimate was issued. That care may not be included on the estimate.
Good Faith Estimates are not provided during emergency care.
Federal Resources
For complete information about the No Surprises Act, your rights, and how to take action on a medical billing issue:
Questions Before Getting Started?
If you have questions about costs or your rights under this law, contact our team.