Depression & Anxiety

 Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to inform individuals who are not enrolled in a plan or coverage or a Federal health care program, or not seeking to file a claim with their plan or coverage both orally and in writing of their ability, upon request or at the time of scheduling health care items and services, to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” of expected charges. A good faith estimate must be provided within 3 business days upon request. Information regarding scheduled items and services must be furnished within 1 business day of scheduling an item or service to be provided in 3 business days; and within 3 business days of scheduling an item or service to be provided in at least 10 business days. 

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

● 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. 

● You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or healthcare services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, hospital fees, and psychotherapy services.

 ● The Good Faith Estimate does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment. You could be charged more if complications or special circumstances occur. If this happens, federal law allows you to dispute (appeal) the bill.

 ● If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill by contacting Dr. Amy Beaumont at the contact listed above. ● You may also start a dispute resolution process with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). If you choose to use the dispute resolution process, you must start the dispute process within 120 calendar days (about 4 months) of the date on the original bill. 

● There is a $25 fee to use the dispute process. If the agency reviewing your dispute agrees with you, you will have to pay the price on this GFE. If the agency disagrees with you and agrees with the health care provider or facility, you will have to pay the higher amount. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises