No Surprises Act
& Good Faith Estimate

No Surprises Act

The No Surprises Act was signed into law on December 27, 2020. This law gives consumers new federal protections from surprise medical bills. 

According to the law, you are entitled to obtain a “Good Faith Estimate” detailing the anticipated total cost of non-emergency healthcare services, such as psychotherapy.

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your health care will cost.

Under the law, healthcare providers must give patients who don’t have insurance or 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 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 or call 800-985-3059.