Good Faith Estimate
Understanding your healthcare costs and patient rights under federal law
Your Right to Transparency in Healthcare Costs
If you don't have insurance or choose not to use your insurance, federal law requires healthcare providers to give you a Good Faith Estimate of costs before you receive care. This ensures you understand the expected costs for items and services you'll receive.
Your Rights as a Patient
1
Right to Receive an Estimate
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any healthcare items or services when scheduling or upon request.
2
3 Business Days Advance
If you schedule a healthcare item or service at least 3 business days in advance, your provider must give you a Good Faith Estimate in writing within 1 business day after scheduling.
3
3 Business Days Advance
If you schedule at least 10 business days in advance, your provider must give you a Good Faith Estimate in writing within 3 business days after scheduling.
4
Request Anytime
You may also ask any healthcare provider for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you do, the provider must give you the estimate in writing within 3 business days after you request it.
5
Right to Dispute Bills
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more for any provider than your Good Faith Estimate from that provider, you may dispute the bill.
6
Save Your Documents
Be sure to save both a copy and a picture of your Good Faith Estimate and the bill for your records.
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If your final bill is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute the charges. Keep copies of both documents to protect your rights.