Good Faith Estimate

You have the right to receive a ‘good faith estimate’ explaining how much your medical care will cost

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have certain types of health care coverage or who are not using certain types of health care coverage an estimate of their bill for the health care items and services before those items or services are provided.

• You have the right to receive a good faith estimate for the total expected cost of any health care items or services upon request or when scheduling such items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment and hospital fees. 
• If you schedule a health care item or service at least three business days in advance, make sure your health care provider or facility gives you a good faith estimate in writing at least one business day after scheduling. If you schedule a health care item or service at least 10 business days in advance, make sure your health care provider or facility gives you a good faith estimate in writing within three business days after scheduling. You can also ask any health care provider or facility for a good faith estimate before you schedule any item or service. If you do, make sure the health care provider or facility gives you a good faith estimate in writing within three business days after you ask.
• 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 and the bill.

For questions or more information about your right to a good faith estimate, visit cms.gov/nosurprises/consumers, email FederalPPDRQuestions@cms.hhs.gov, or call 1-800-985-3059.