No Surprise Act. Good Faith Estimate
The No Surprises Act, which took effect in January 2022, is a federal law designed to protect patients from unexpected medical bills, particularly for those receiving services without insurance or choosing to pay out-of-pocket. As part of this law, healthcare providers, including therapists, are required to provide a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) to clients, detailing the expected costs of services before treatment begins. This ensures greater transparency and helps clients understand their financial obligations upfront.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
A Good Faith Estimate is a written document that outlines the anticipated costs of your therapy sessions or other mental health services. The estimate includes:
A description of the services you will receive.
An estimated cost for each service.
The total expected cost for all sessions during a specific period (e.g., weekly or monthly therapy).
Any additional fees or charges you may incur, such as late cancellation fees.
When Will You Receive the Estimate?
You are entitled to receive the Good Faith Estimate at least 3 business days before your first therapy session or any scheduled service. If you request a GFE at any time, I will provide it promptly.
Why is this Important?
The No Surprises Act aims to prevent unexpected or "surprise" bills that could arise if you're paying out of pocket. For example, if the actual cost of your therapy significantly exceeds the Good Faith Estimate provided, you may have the right to dispute the charges through a formal process.
Your Rights Under the No Surprises Act:
You have the right to request a Good Faith Estimate for the cost of services before beginning therapy.
If the final bill for services is at least $400 higher than the estimate provided, you can initiate a dispute.
You can request a GFE even if you haven’t scheduled a service yet.
What to Do if Costs Exceed the Estimate:
If you receive a bill that is substantially higher than your Good Faith Estimate, you may be able to dispute the difference. You have up to 120 days from receiving the bill to initiate the dispute. The dispute process can be handled through the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), and I am here to support you in that process if necessary.
How to Request a Good Faith Estimate:
To request your Good Faith Estimate, please contact me directly, and I’ll provide a detailed breakdown of the expected costs for your therapy services.