No Surprises Act
Your Rights and Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills
Under the No Surprises Act, healthcare providers are required to give clients who are self-pay or not using insurance a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) of the expected cost of services. This information is here to help you understand what a Good Faith Estimate is, when it applies, and what your rights are.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
A Good Faith Estimate is a written estimate of the expected charges for mental health services when you are:
- Paying out of pocket
- Not using insurance
- Using insurance but choosing not to submit claims
The estimate is based on the services you and your provider agree to at the time it is created.
What will my Good Faith Estimate include?
Your Good Faith Estimate may include:
- The cost per session
- The frequency of sessions (e.g., weekly, biweekly)
- The estimated total cost over a specific period of time
Please note: therapy is not always predictable. Your needs, goals, or session frequency may change over time, which can impact the total cost of care.
When will I receive a Good Faith Estimate?
You will receive a Good Faith Estimate upon request or when starting services if you are self-pay or not using insurance. You may also request an updated estimate at any time if your treatment plan changes.
What if my actual charges are higher than the estimate?
If you receive a bill that is $400 or more higher than your Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute the bill. You can initiate a dispute through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Information on how to do this will be provided with your estimate.
Questions?