Good Faith Estimate

Good Faith Estimate

No Surprise Act – effective January 1, 2022

This page applies to all people in the United States who:

  • Don’t use health insurance
  • Don’t have health insurance

The No Surprises Act is a federal law that went into effect on January 1, 2022.

Usually, if you don’t have or use health insurance to pay for your care, providers must give you a good faith estimate of how much it will cost. You get the estimate when you schedule care at least 3 business days in advance or if you ask for one. You may be able to dispute your bill if it’s at least $400 more than the estimate.

Note: You won’t get an estimate during emergency care.

Get a good faith estimate

If you aren’t using insurance to pay for your care, let your health care provider know in advance. Usually, the provider must give you a good faith estimate of expected charges.

This applies when you don’t have insurance, or are choosing not to use it. You may choose not to use insurance if the service you need isn’t covered, or it’s less expensive if you pay out of pocket.

In most cases, providers and facilities must give you an estimate when you schedule care at least 3 business days in advance, or if you ask for one.

If a bill from one of your providers is at least $400 more than the good faith estimate from that provider, you can dispute your bill.

What is a good faith estimate?

A good faith estimate is a list of expected charges before you get health care items or services (procedures, supporting care) from a provider or facility.
The good faith estimate isn’t a bill. You’re only given one if you don’t have insurance or aren’t using insurance to pay for your care.
View an example of a good faith estimate (PDF). (Note: This example is blank. The estimate you get will list details of your care.)

When can you get a good faith estimate?

You’re eligible to get a good faith estimate if you schedule care at least 3 business days (Monday through Friday) in advance. You can ask your provider directly for an estimate if they don’t give one to you.

Note: You won’t get an estimate during emergency care.

What’s included on a good faith estimate?

A good faith estimate should include expected charges for the health care items and services, including facilities fees and hospital fees.
Currently, good faith estimates only list expected charges for a single provider or facility, even if multiple providers will be involved in your care. You should request an estimate from each of your providers and the facility involved in your care.

Note: Your provider should include everything they can on the estimate. But you may need care that they didn’t anticipate. That care won’t be included on the estimate.

The No Surprises Act empowers you to make informed decisions about your healthcare costs. If you have any questions or need further clarification, don’t hesitate to ask by visiting Know your rights without insurance | CMS or calling 843-584-7393.