Your rights with a medical bill

Federal rules protect you from some surprise bills and from bills far above an estimate. Here is what they say, in the words Med Bill Check uses, with the official CMS pages.

Checked 28 September 2026 against cms.gov

No Surprises Act

Since 2022, most people with health insurance are protected from surprise bills for most emergency care, for out-of-network providers at in-network hospitals and surgery centers, and for air ambulances. You should only owe your in-network cost sharing.

Official page on cms.gov

Good Faith Estimate

If you are uninsured or not using insurance, providers must usually give you a Good Faith Estimate when you book care at least 3 business days ahead, or when you ask for one.

Official page on cms.gov

Bill above your estimate

If a provider bills at least $400 more than its Good Faith Estimate, you may be able to use the federal patient-provider dispute process. Start within 120 calendar days of the date on the bill. The fee is $25.

Official page on cms.gov

Free help

The No Surprises Help Desk answers questions about these rights on 1-800-985-3059.

Official page on cms.gov

If a bill is wrong or too high

• Read your itemized bill for the common questions.
• Ask for a charge to be reviewed in writing.
• If you were uninsured or self-pay and got a Good Faith Estimate, a bill $400 or more above it may qualify for the federal dispute process within 120 days of the bill date.

Sources

• https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises
• https://www.cms.gov/initiatives/your-patient-rights/medical-bill-rights/get-help/medical-bill-guides-resources/what-good-faith-health-insurance-estimate
• https://www.cms.gov/initiatives/your-patient-rights/medical-bill-rights/get-help/dispute-bill
• https://www.cms.gov/initiatives/your-patient-rights/medical-bill-rights/get-help/submit-complaint

This is a draft for you to review, edit and send yourself. It is general information, not legal, medical or financial advice. Med Bill Check never sends anything for you.