You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under federal law, health care providers must give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
This includes the total expected cost of any non-emergency services, such as therapy, as well as related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, or equipment. Mental health providers, including those offering individual counseling or couples therapy, are required to comply with this rule when treating uninsured or self-pay clients.
Be sure to request your Good Faith Estimate in writing at least one business day before your scheduled appointment. You may also proactively ask any provider for a written estimate before confirming services.
If you receive a bill that is $400 or more above your Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute the charge.
Always save a copy or photo of your Good Faith Estimate for your records.
For more information about your rights, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.