On January 1, 2022 the No Surprise Act was enacted into law in order to increase price transparency and decrease the likelihood that someone ends up with an unexpected medical expense. While this act seems most applicable in larger facilities where you may be receiving multiple services by different specialists who may have varying contracts with insurance plans, at this time it does apply to behavioral health services for those who are uninsured or electing to be self pay. If you will not be utilizing your insurance for services a good faith estimate will be offered at the time of intake or can be obtained at any time during treatment, by request.

The act also requires healthcare providers, including psychotherapists, to inform their clients of this right. Additionally, this act requires that information regarding the availability of a “Good Faith Estimate” must be prominently displayed on the website of all health care providers, including psychotherapists.

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services.

You can ask all of your health care providers, including your therapist and other providers from whom you seek treatment, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a 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/