The “No Surprises Act” aims to increase transparency in medical costs and protect clients from “surprise” medical bills caused by out-of-network care. This act was set in motion on Jan. 1, 2022.

Sometimes people carefully select an in-network medical provider only to discover their medical bill is much higher than they expected because they unknowingly received medical care from an out-of-network provider during their service. This balanced billing requirement aims to prevent that potential sticker shock by prohibiting providers who are out-of-network with a client’s insurance from charging more than their in-network costs when clients receive care at the in-network facility.

Under this act, counselors are to provide clients with what’s called a “Good Faith Estimate” (GFE) for recurring services (such as ongoing counseling visits), which is good for one year. The GFE is just an estimate; it is not legally binding and may change at any point. However, if the actual charge is more than $400 above the estimate, the client has the right to dispute the charge.

By law, healthcare providers are to 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 healthcare 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.