You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who do not have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of expected charges 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 fees.

• If your appointment is scheduled at least three days in advance, 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 health care 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.

The Federal government acknowledges that it will take time for health care facilities to honor these requirements in Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems. Your eye doctor is committed to providing these Good Faith Estimates as required and can confirm that EMR development has begun to follow this newly enacted law.

While this programming is still being finalized, please ask a patient care specialist for any estimates as needed. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.