Good Faith Estimates
No Insurance or choosing not to use your insurance?
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 they are about to receive.
- You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate* for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services when scheduling such services or upon requests. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
- If you schedule a health care service at least 3 business days in advance, make sure your health care facility gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing 1 business day after scheduling. If you schedule a health care service at least 10 days in advance, make sure your health care facility gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing within 3 business days after scheduling.
- You can also ask a health care facility for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. If you do, make sure the healthcare facility gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing within 3 business days of you requesting it.
- 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, call [800-985-3059, 8am-8pm ET seven days a week; TTY: 800-985-3059] or email FederalPPDRQuestions@cms.hhs.gov