Good-Faith Estimate Disclosure
You have the right to receive a “good-faith estimate” explaining how much your 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 their bill 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 hospital fees.
- Make sure your health care provider or facility gives you a good-faith estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask any health care provider or facility 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 and the bill.
If you have questions, or for more information about your right to a good-faith estimate, please visit cms.gov/nosurprises/consumers or call 1-800-985-3059.
Insurance Considerations
It is important to remember that every insurance policy is different. Your medical coverage is a contract between you and your insurance company. If possible, please contact your insurance company in advance to gather details on the coverage your policy provides. It is important to:
- Identify whether your insurance carrier requires a referral, prior authorization or precertification before receiving treatment, and;
- Determine whether UAB St. Vincent’s is classified as “in-network” or “out-of-network”, because out-of-pocket charges are often higher if services are considered to be outside your network.
When you visit us, please bring two forms of identification and the proper insurance identification cards so we can bill your insurance carrier.
- Medical costs are often unanticipated and not all costs are covered by insurance. When your visit or hospital stay is completed, you will be expected to pay any charges that will not be reimbursed by insurance (e.g. co-payments, deductibles, coinsurance, and non-covered services). If you feel that you need assistance in meeting your financial obligations, or if you do not have insurance, please see the Financial Assistance section.