Your Right to a Good Faith Estimate
Under federal law, you have the right to know how much your medical care will cost before you receive it.
What Is a Good Faith Estimate?
A Good Faith Estimate is a written document that explains the expected cost of your care. It applies if you:
- Don’t have insurance, or
- Choose not to use insurance.
This estimate is provided before your appointment or procedure. It’s not a bill—just a clear projection of charges so you can plan ahead.
Your Protections
- Transparency: Know your costs up front.
- Written Estimate: Receive it at least 1 business day before care (if booked 3+ days ahead).
- Dispute Rights: If your bill is $400+ higher than the estimate, you can dispute it.
- No Surprises: Providers must be honest about costs.
Why It Matters
A Good Faith Estimate helps you:
- Avoid surprise bills
- Compare costs
- Make informed choices about your care
Learn More
Visit cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059.