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 before those items and 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, and equipment.
If you schedule a health care item or service at least 3 business days
in advance, make sure your health care provider or facility gives you
a Good Faith Estimate in writing within 1 business day after
scheduling. If you schedule a health care item or service at least 10
business days in advance, make sure your health care provider or
facility gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing within 3 business
days after scheduling. You can also ask any health care provider or
facility for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or
service. If you do, make sure the health care provider or facility gives
you a Good Faith Estimate in writing within 3 business days after you
ask.
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.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith
Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.