RATES & INSURANCE

The No Surprises Act is a federal law that went into effect January 1, 2022, and it protects people from unexpected medical bills. Usually, if you don't have or use health insurance to pay for your care, providers must give you a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) of how much it will cost. You should get the estimate when you schedule medical care at least 3 business days in advance or if you ask for one. However, it is not required to give an estimate during emergency care.

A GFE should include expected charges for the health care items and services. Currently, GFEs only list expected charges for a single provider or facility, even if multiple providers will be involved in your care. You should request an estimate from each of your providers and the facility involved in your care.

Note: A provider should include everything they can on the estimate. But you may need care that they didn’t anticipate, and that care won’t be included on the estimate. Receiving a GFE doesn’t mean that either you or the provider agree  to work together. It’s an estimate of the costs should you and the provider decide to move forward with a working relationship.

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or medical services, including mental health and 

counseling services. 

You have the right to make sure your health care provider gives you a GFE in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your provider, and any other provider you choose, for a GFE before you schedule an item or service.

You have the right to dispute a bill if you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your GFE. Be sure to save a copy or picture of your GFE from applicable provider(s). 

You have the right to submit a complaint if you believe that your facility, provider, or insurer isn't following these rules. 

If you have further questions or want to read more information about your right to a GFE, 

visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or you can call the 

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 

at 1-800-985-3059 or contact the Mental Health Institute.