Good Faith Estimate

Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges.

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.

Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.

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

Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises

What does this mean?

As a mental health provider, I am required by law to provide clients who are uninsured or not using insurance with a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) of the expected cost for services. This is part of the federal No Surprises Act, which is designed to protect clients from unexpected medical bills.

What You Need to Know:

If you choose to pay out-of-pocket (private pay), you will receive a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least one business day before your first scheduled session.
The estimate is based on the average duration of treatment for clients in my practice. After our initial intake session, and once we’ve discussed your goals and preferred session frequency, I will provide an updated estimate if needed.
Your GFE will be shared through a secure client portal, where you can also access other important documents at any time. Printed copies are available upon request.
I review and update GFEs annually, or sooner if there are any changes to fees or your treatment plan.
If you ever receive a bill that is $400 or more above the estimate, you have the right to dispute the charge.