Your Right to a Good Faith Estimate

​Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don't have health insurance, or who are not using their insurance, an estimate of the bill for health care items and services before those items or services are provided.

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• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any health care items or services, either when you ask for one or when you schedule. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.

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• If you schedule a health care item or service at least 3 business days in advance, make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing within 1 business day after scheduling. If you schedule at least 10 business days in advance, make sure you receive it in writing within 3 business days after scheduling.

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• You can also ask any health care provider for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. If you do, make sure the provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing within 3 business days after you ask.

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• If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate from that provider, you can dispute the bill.

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• Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate and the bill.