Patients have the right to written estimates before getting their health care.

Until this year, the uninsured and other patients paying for medical care out of their own pocket (“self-payers”) could rarely get a cost estimate for their planned medical care. They were, however, expected to pay the bill after they received it. But now, under the No Surprises Act, physicians and health care facilities are required to give an advance estimate of charges. In addition, if the final charges are more than $400 above the written estimate, patients can dispute the additional charges. Learn more about your rights under this new law, so you can be better prepared for the medical bills you will be asked to pay.

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