Under the No Surprises Act, health care providers are required to inform individuals who are either not enrolled in a health insurance plan or not using insurance, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges.

The purpose of the NSA is to protect individuals, ensure informed consent related to medical billing practices, and protect providers’ expected billing practices.

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services.

It is difficult to determine the true length of treatment for mental health care as each client has a right to decide how long they would like to participate in mental health care services and all services are voluntary, however, a good faith estimate will be provided and reassessed as needed.

• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services.

• You can ask your healthcare provider for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service.

• You can ask for an updated Good Faith Estimate at any point reflecting your current expected charges.

• If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can disputethe 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 or call (800) 368-1019.