Good Faith Estimate

You have the Right to a Good Faith Estimate

A good faith estimate is a summary how the cost of medical and mental health care. The No Surprises Act, passed in December 2020, aims to provide patients with a clear understanding of their healthcare costs in advance to avoid unexpected bills. It requires healthcare providers to give uninsured or out-of-network patients a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy. Patients can request this estimate before scheduling any non-emergency services. If the final bill exceeds the estimate by $400 or more, patients have the right to dispute it. The Act also addresses balance billing, where out-of-network providers charge patients the difference between their rate and the insurer's payment. Patients must be notified and consent to out-of-network services at in-network facilities. While the Act primarily targets emergency services, private practice therapists and providers are also affected. Providers must comply with the Act by providing timely notifications and Good Faith Estimates. While it's difficult to predict the duration of therapy, providers aim to disclose the maximum potential costs for a year of service. Patients should discuss costs and treatment details with their provider as needed. For more information, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.