Get a Good Faith Estimate (GFE)
Find out the cost of your out-of-pocket care and know what to expect.
A Good Faith Estimate (GFE) shows the costs of items and services that are reasonably expected for your healthcare needs for an item or service. The estimate is based on information known at the time the estimate was created. The GFE does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment.
You could be charged more if complications or special circumstances occur. If this happens, federal law allows you to dispute (appeal) the bill.
If you are billed for more than the GFE, you have the right to dispute the bill. You may contact the healthcare provider or facility listed to let them know the billed charges are higher than the GFE. You can ask them to update the bill to match the GFE, ask to negotiate the bill, or ask if there is financial assistance available.
If you are billed more than $400 above the amount on the GFE, you may also start a dispute resolution process with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). If you choose to use the dispute resolution process, you must start the dispute process within 120 calendar days (about 4 months) of the date on the original bill.
There is a $25 fee to use the dispute process. If the agency reviewing your dispute agrees with you, you will have to pay the price on the GFE. If the agency disagrees with you and agrees with the healthcare provider or facility, you will have to pay the higher amount.
For questions or more information about your right to a GFE or the dispute process, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call the No Surprises Help Desk at 800.985.3059.