Good Faith Estimate Healthcare

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” detailing how much your healthcare will cost, as outlined by the No Surprises Act. Under this law, health care providers are required to give patients who lack certain types of health care coverage, or who are not utilizing specific coverage, a healthcare cost estimate for items and services before receiving them. 

You have the right to request a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected costs of any healthcare items or services when scheduling them. This estimate includes related expenses such as medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.

If you schedule a healthcare item or service at least 3 business days in advance, ensure your healthcare provider or facility gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing within 1 business day after scheduling. If you schedule at least 10 business days in advance, your provider or facility must provide the Good Faith Estimate in writing within 3 business days. You can also ask any healthcare provider or facility for a Good Faith Estimate before scheduling a service; they are required to respond in writing within 3 business days after your request.

Should you receive a bill that is $400 or more above your Good Faith Estimate from that provider or facility, you have the right to dispute the bill. 

Be sure to save a copy or take a picture of your Good Faith Estimate and the final bill. For questions or further information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises/consumers, email FederalPPDRQuestions@cms.hhs.gov, or call 1-800-985-3059.