Good Faith Estimate

Under the No Surprises Act, health care providers must give people who are uninsured or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical and mental health services.

Your Right to a Good Faith Estimate

• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency services, including psychotherapy.
• You can ask for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service, or at any time during treatment.
• If you schedule a service at least three business days in advance, you will receive a Good Faith Estimate in writing within one business day of scheduling. If you schedule at least ten business days in advance, you will receive it within three business days.
• Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

If the Bill Is Higher Than the Estimate

If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. You may start a dispute resolution process with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services within 120 calendar days of the date on the original bill.

Psychotherapy and Ongoing Care

Psychotherapy is typically ongoing rather than a single procedure. A Good Faith Estimate for therapy generally reflects an expected session fee and an anticipated number of sessions over a period of time. The actual number of sessions is determined collaboratively and depends on your needs, goals, and progress. The estimate is not a contract and does not obligate you to continue treatment.

More Information

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059.

Requesting an Estimate

To request a Good Faith Estimate, contact me at 845-202-9774 or info@karenpsychotherapy.com.