“Good Faith Estimate”
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost if you are paying out of pocket and not using insurance. 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.
• 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 healthcare provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least one business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your healthcare provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
• If you receive a bill that is at least $400.00 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
• Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
• Your Good Faith Estimate shows the cost 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 you to dispute (appeal) the bill.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit:
www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059