CMS releases FAQs about good faith estimate requirements

CMS has recently published FAQs concerning the good faith estimate (GFE) provision of the No Surprises Act, which took effect on January 1, 2022.

Healthcare providers and facilities are now required to issue an estimate of the expected charges of a scheduled item or service to uninsured or self-pay individuals. This estimate prevents the patient from receiving surprise medical bills after the item or service is complete.

The FAQs further explain these requirements and how they can be implemented effectively. Some of the topics discussed include:

• Definitions of the healthcare providers and facilities that must comply with the GFE requirements, as well as the patients who must receive GFEs
• How and in what forms GFEs must be provided and the administrative burden of doing so

Hospitals should review the GFE requirements and FAQs to ensure they are acting in compliance with the No Surprises Act.

Editor’s note: Find more NAHRI resources on the No Surprises Act here.