No Surprises Act

Your Rights and Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills

What Is the No Surprises Act?

The No Surprises Act is a federal law that protects you from unexpected medical bills in certain situations. It ensures that you have the right to receive a clear estimate of your expected costs before receiving services, so you can make informed decisions about your care.

Your Right to a Good Faith Estimate

Under the No Surprises Act, health care providers are required to give you a Good Faith Estimate of expected costs for services if you are uninsured or if you choose not to use your insurance benefits.

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate before your first appointment, or at any time upon request. This estimate will include the anticipated cost of your services, including session fees and any other items or services reasonably expected as part of your care.

What the Good Faith Estimate Includes

Your Good Faith Estimate will provide:

  • The expected cost of your counseling or therapy services

  • Any additional items or services that may reasonably be provided in connection with your care

  • The name and contact information of the provider issuing the estimate

The Good Faith Estimate is not a contract and does not obligate you to receive services. It is an informed projection based on the information available at the time it is prepared. Your actual costs may vary depending on the nature and duration of your treatment.

If Your Bill Is Higher Than Your Estimate

If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute that bill.

To dispute a bill, you may:

  1. Contact Atlanta Innovative Counseling Center directly to discuss the difference

  2. Start the patient-provider dispute resolution process through the federal government at cms.gov/nosurprises

  3. Contact the No Surprises Help Desk at 1-800-985-3059 for assistance

You must initiate a dispute within 120 calendar days of the date on your bill.

Using Your Insurance

If you plan to use health insurance benefits to pay for services, please contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand your coverage, including your deductible, copay, and any out-of-pocket costs. We are happy to provide you with the information needed to verify your benefits.

If you choose not to use your insurance, or if you do not have insurance, please let us know and we will provide you with a Good Faith Estimate prior to your first session.

Questions About Your Estimate or Bill

We are committed to transparency in billing and are here to help. If you have questions about your Good Faith Estimate, your bill, or your rights under the No Surprises Act, please contact our office:

Atlanta Innovative Counseling Center, LLC

4045 Orchard Road, Suite 110
Smyrna, Georgia 30080

p 770.293.1950

f 770.293.1955

AICC@atlantainnovativecounseling.com

Additional Resources

For more information about your rights under the No Surprises Act, visit: