GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE

Effective January 1, 2022, a ruling went into effect called the "No Surprises Act" which requires clinicians to provide a "Good Faith Estimate" about out-of-network care. 

Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act (PHSA), health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in an insurance plan or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan, that prior to service and upon request they are entitled to receive (both orally and in writing) a "Good Faith Estimate" of expected charges. 

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.

• 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. Here’s an example of what a GFE might include.

• 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 questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or 800-985-3059.

Disclosure Notice No Surprises Act

Note: A Good Faith Estimate is for your awareness only and does not require immediate financial commitment or payment.