Congress enacted a “No Surprises” rule for healthcare providers which went into effect 01/01/2022. This is part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.

This applies to private pay (out of pocket) clients, those who are not using insurance to cover our services.

If you are using insurance to cover your appointment (Blue Cross of Idaho) this rule doesn’t apply to you. Please use the Insurance Questionnaire to confirm benefits and coverage prior to our appointment.

If you are a private pay client who is not using insurance and paying out of pocket to see us, this rule applies to you.

The act is described as “new federal protections against surprise medical bills that take effect in 2022.” Surprise medical bills arise when insured consumers inadvertently receive care from “out-of-network hospitals, doctors, or other providers they did not choose.” Surprise medical bills can arise in an emergency when the patient has no ability to select the emergency room, treating physicians, or ambulance providers. Surprise bills can also arise when a patient receives planned care. For example, a patient could go to an in-network facility (e.g., a hospital or ambulatory surgery center), but later find out that a provider treating her (e.g., an anesthesiologist or radiologist) does not participate in her health plan’s network. The patient will then receive a “surprise bill” after the fact. To protect you, Congress created this Act. You are entitled to a “good faith estimate” of the cost of care. (See the end of this page for an official notice of the Act)

It is highly unlikely this could affect our work together. There will be no situation in which you would “inadvertently” receive care from Wonderful You Nutrition or with no choice or foreknowledge. Any appointments are scheduled by you or during appointment with your sole input. There will never, under any circumstances, be ‘surprise’ costs. 

How many appointments you might have is dependent on your case and your needs. Some clients may feel comfortable meeting weekly, biweekly, or monthly, depending on their needs, interests, and personal situation. Treatment length varies greatly between individuals and is always determined collectively between the provider and the client.         

Rest assured that we will be transparent with you about the costs of the services we agree on together. You will have “no surprises” here. As always, you may certainly ask us about any costs about which you may be unsure, and you will be provided clear information.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any related questions. 

Official Notice: 

 Right to Receive a Good Faith Estimate of Expected Charges Under the No Surprises Act

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical 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 the 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. 

Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, 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. 

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call Health and Human Services at (617) 573 -1600