The No Surprises Act shields patients from most surprise out-of-network bills for emergency care and for out-of-network providers at in-network facilities. Patients owe only their in-network cost-sharing, and payment disputes go to independent resolution.
Only in narrow cases, and only if you agree in writing beforehand. An out-of-network provider can balance-bill you for some non-emergency care only after written notice and your signed consent. You never have to sign, and consent is barred for emergency care.
Usually not. The No Surprises Act bans balance bills for certain out-of-network services (like anesthesiology or radiology) provided during a visit to an in-network facility. You pay only your in-network cost-sharing, unless you gave written consent in advance.
Yes. If you have job-based, Marketplace, or individual coverage, the No Surprises Act bans surprise bills for most emergency services, even out-of-network and without prior approval. You can be charged only your normal in-network cost-sharing.
Under the No Surprises Act, if you are uninsured or choose to pay yourself, providers must give you a written good-faith estimate of expected charges before scheduled care. If the final bill is at least $400 more than the estimate, you can dispute it.