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 do not have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least one (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.

 

• 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.

• The Good Faith Estimate shows the costs of items and services that are reasonably expected for your health care needs for an item or service. The estimate is based on information known at the time the estimate was created.

• The Good Faith Estimate does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment. You could be charged more if complications or special circumstances occur. If this happens, federal law allows me to dispute (appeal) the bill.

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

• You may contact the health care provider or facility listed to let them know the billed charges are higher than the Good Faith Estimate.

• You may ask your health care provider to update the bill to match the Good Faith Estimate, ask to negotiate the bill, or ask if there is financial assistance available.

• You may start a dispute resolution process with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). If you choose to use the dispute resolution process, you must start the dispute process within 120 calendar days (about 4 months) of the date on the original bill.

• There is a $25 fee to use the dispute process. If the agency reviewing your dispute agrees with you, you will have to pay the price on the Good Faith Estimate. If the agency disagrees with you and agrees with the health care provider or facility, you will have to pay the higher amount.

• If you have questions or need additional information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate or the dispute process, you may visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call HHS at (800) 368-1019. You may also use this contact information to learn more or initiate the dispute process.