The No Surprises Act & Good Faith Estimates

A Good Faith Estimate (GFE) shows the costs of services that are reasonably expected for the expected services to address one's mental health care needs. The estimate is based on the information known to a provider or practice when the provider or practice does the estimate.

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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.

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If you are billed for $400 more (per provider) than your Good Faith Estimate (GFE), you have the right to dispute the bill.

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You may contact the provider's practice at the contact information listed (like on the footer of this web page) to let them know the billed charges are at least $400 higher than the GFE. You can ask them to update the bill to match the GFE, ask to negotiate the bill, or ask if there is financial assistance available.

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You may also start a dispute resolution process with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). If you choose to use the dispute resolution process, you must start the dispute process within 120 calendar days (about 4 months) of the date on the original bill.

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There is a $25 fee to use the dispute process. If the agency reviewing your dispute agrees with you, you will have to pay the price on this GFE. If the agency disagrees with you and agrees with the health care provider or practice, you will have to pay the higher amount.

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To learn more and get a form to start the process, go to:

www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call CMS at 1-800-985-3059.

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

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A GFE is not a contract. It does not obligate you to accept any services.

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Keep a copy of your Good Faith Estimate (GFE) in a safe place or take pictures of it. You may need it if you are billed more than $400 than the estimate provided.