GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE FOR
HEALTHCARE ITEMS AND SERVICES
Beginning January 1, 2022, federal laws regulating client care have been updated to
include the “No Surprises” Act. Under the law, healthcare 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, called a “Good Faith Estimate” (GFE), explaining how
much your medical care will cost. This new regulation is designed to provide
transparency to patients regarding their expected medical expenses and to protect them
from surprises when they receive their medical bills, allowing patients to understand
how much their health care will cost before they receive services.
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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.
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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 healthcare provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
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If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
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Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
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For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate,
visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
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