• No Surprises Act

    No Surprises Act

    Effective January 1, 2022, the No Surprises Act is designed to protect patients from surprise bills for emergency services at out-of-network facilities or for out-of-network providers at in-network facilities, holding them liable only for in-network cost-sharing amounts. The No Surprises Act also enables uninsured patients to receive a good faith estimate of the cost of care.

    Out-of-network facilities can’t balance bill (sometimes called “surprise billing”) you unless you give written consent and give up your protections. You’re never required to give up your protections from balance billing. You also aren’t required to get care out-of-network. You can choose a provider or facility in your plan’s network.

    Good Faith Estimates

    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 office visits, 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

    For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059.