You Have the Right to Receive a "Good Faith Estimate"
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don't have certain types of health care coverage, or who are not using certain types of health care coverage, an estimate of their bill for health care items and services before those items or services are provided.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any health care items or services upon request or when scheduling such items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
If you schedule a health care item or service:
- At least 3 business days in advance – Your provider or facility must give you a Good Faith Estimate in writing within 1 business day.
- At least 10 business days in advance – You must receive it within 3 business days.
You can also request a Good Faith Estimate before scheduling any item or service, and providers are required to deliver it in writing within 3 business days.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate from that provider or facility, you can dispute the bill.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises/consumers, email [email protected], or call 1-800-985-3059.
