Good Faith Estimate

H.R. 133 No Surprises Act

No Surprise Billing - Good Faith Estimate

Under the No Surprises Act (H.R. 133 – effective January 1, 2022), health care providers need to give clients or patients who do not have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

  • This Good Faith Estimate shows the costs of items and services that are reasonably expected for your health care needs for an item or service. The estimate is based on information known at the time the estimate was created.
  • You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes (under the law/when applicable) related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
  • The Good Faith Estimate does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment. You could be charged more if complications or special circumstances occur. If this happens, federal law allows you to dispute (appeal) the bill.
  • If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
  • This Good Faith Estimate shows the costs of items and services that are reasonably expected for your health care needs for an item or service. The estimate is based on information known at the time the estimate was created.
  • You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes (under the law/when applicable) related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
  • The Good Faith Estimate does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment. You could be charged more if complications or special circumstances occur. If this happens, federal law allows you to dispute (appeal) the bill.
  • If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
  • Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate within the following timeframes:
  • If the service is scheduled at least three business days before the appointment date, no later than one business day after the date of scheduling;
  • If the service is scheduled at least 10 business days before the appointment date, no later than three business days after the date of scheduling; or
  • If the uninsured or self-pay patient requests a good faith estimate (without scheduling the service), no later than three business days after the date of the request. A new good faith estimate must be provided, within the specified timeframes if the patient reschedules the requested item or service.
  • Keep a copy of your Good Faith Estimate in a safe place or take pictures of it. You may need it if you are billed a higher amount.

Note: A Good Faith Estimate is for your awareness only. It does NOT involve you needing to make any type of commitment.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate or the dispute process, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
We can provide you with a Good Faith Estimate for any service upon request.

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