The Good Faith Estimate is a provision of the No Surprises Act (NSA) designed to provide consumers predictability of how much they will be charged for the healthcare services they will receive before their appointment. Under the law, healthcare providers must give their patients 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. The estimate should include any associated costs, such as medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
The Good Faith Estimate should be given to you in writing at least one business day before your medical service or item. You can also request that your healthcare provider, and any other provider of your choice, give you a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. Make sure you save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For medical items or services received on or after January 1, 2022 you may dispute bills $400 higher than your Good Faith Estimate. The dispute must be filed within 120 calendar days after receiving the bill.
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 don’t 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 health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 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.
- If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
- Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
