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Bill Higher Than Your Good Faith Estimate? Dispute It ($400 Rule)
If you are uninsured or paying yourself, providers must give you a Good Faith Estimate before scheduled care.
1. What happened?
2. The details
3. Your rights
- ✔If you are uninsured or paying yourself, providers must give you a Good Faith Estimate before scheduled care.
- ✔If the bill is at least $400 more than the estimate, you can use the federal patient-provider dispute process.
- ✔You must start the dispute within 120 days of getting the bill (a small fee applies).
✉️ 4. Your letter
Letters are in English for US providers, insurers and collectors. Send by email and certified mail; keep copies.
🧭 What to do next
- First ask the provider to match the estimate (use the letter).
- If they refuse, start the dispute on the CMS No Surprises website before the deadline.
Official help:
General information, not legal advice. Rules can differ by state and plan. Check the official links. 🔒 Everything stays on your device. Nothing is uploaded or saved.
📋 Your rights at a glance
- • If you are uninsured or paying yourself, providers must give you a Good Faith Estimate before scheduled care.
- • If the bill is at least $400 more than the estimate, you can use the federal patient-provider dispute process.
- • You must start the dispute within 120 days of getting the bill (a small fee applies).
Questions people ask
Is this tool free? Do you see my bill?+
It's 100% free with no signup. Everything runs in your browser, so your bill, name and insurance details never leave your device.
Do medical bills really contain errors?+
Yes, often. Duplicate charges, services you didn't receive and charges that should have gone to insurance are common. Always ask for an itemized bill and compare it with your insurer's Explanation of Benefits.
Does disputing a bill hurt my credit?+
No. Asking for an itemized bill, appealing a denial or requesting financial assistance doesn't affect your credit. Ask the provider to hold the account while it is reviewed so it doesn't go to collections.
Is this legal advice?+
No. It's general information based on federal rules and ready-to-edit letter templates. State laws and your plan documents may give you more rights. For large amounts, consider a patient advocate or attorney.