The Good Faith Estimate

Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal Health Care Program or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both verbally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a health care items and services, to receive a "Good Faith Estimate" of expected charges.

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 do not have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical terms and services. 

• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services.  This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees. 
• Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 buisness day before your medical care service or item.  You can also ask your health care provider, and oany other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
• If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
• Most importantly - Save a copy or take a photo of your Good Faith Estimate.