Right to Receive a Good Faith Estimate of Expected Charges

Under the Federal No Surprises Act (Public Health Service Act § 2799B-6 & 45 CFR § 149.610)

You have the right to receive a "Good Faith Estimate" explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost.

Under the law, health care providers must give patients who do not have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

• Right to an Estimate: You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services, including psychotherapy sessions and psychological testing/evaluations.

• Timing: Ensure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least one (1) business day before your medical service or item is rendered. 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.

• Right to Dispute: If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you have the legal right to dispute the bill through the federal Patient-Provider Dispute Resolution (PPDR) process. You must begin the dispute process within 120 calendar days of the date on the original invoice.

• Record Keeping: 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 or the dispute process, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises/consumers or call the No Surprises Help Desk toll-free at 1-800-985-3059.