The Biden administration is facing mounting pressure from states to let them import medicine from Canada to help lower prescription drug costs.
On Dec. 5, Colorado became at least the fourth state to seek federal permission to use the strategy, following Florida, New Hampshire and New Mexico.
President Joe Biden has endorsed the approach, but his administration has yet to greenlight a state plan.
“States have done the work, and the only thing preventing them from going ahead is the Biden administration,” said Jane Horvath, a health policy consultant who has worked with states on importation plans.
![US-NEWS-USCANADA-DRUG-IMPORTS-GET](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/c7/ec7bab0c-ec45-5394-bfcf-c07c059099db/63a606be82a1c.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/c7/ec7bab0c-ec45-5394-bfcf-c07c059099db/63a606be82a1c.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/c7/ec7bab0c-ec45-5394-bfcf-c07c059099db/63a606be82a1c.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/c7/ec7bab0c-ec45-5394-bfcf-c07c059099db/63a606be82a1c.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/c7/ec7bab0c-ec45-5394-bfcf-c07c059099db/63a606be82a1c.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/c7/ec7bab0c-ec45-5394-bfcf-c07c059099db/63a606be82a1c.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/c7/ec7bab0c-ec45-5394-bfcf-c07c059099db/63a606be82a1c.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/c7/ec7bab0c-ec45-5394-bfcf-c07c059099db/63a606be82a1c.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/c7/ec7bab0c-ec45-5394-bfcf-c07c059099db/63a606be82a1c.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/c7/ec7bab0c-ec45-5394-bfcf-c07c059099db/63a606be82a1c.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/c7/ec7bab0c-ec45-5394-bfcf-c07c059099db/63a606be82a1c.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/c7/ec7bab0c-ec45-5394-bfcf-c07c059099db/63a606be82a1c.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/c7/ec7bab0c-ec45-5394-bfcf-c07c059099db/63a606be82a1c.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/c7/ec7bab0c-ec45-5394-bfcf-c07c059099db/63a606be82a1c.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1175 2008w)
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra addresses reporters during a news conference at the headquarters of HHS on June 28 in Washington, D.C.
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra told KHN on Dec. 5 that the Biden administration welcomed applications for drug importation programs from Colorado and other states. But he would not pledge that the FDA would rule on any application in 2023.
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Asked what his message was to states, he said: “Sign up and submit an application, and we will take a look and see if you are able to get through the process.”
Buyers in the United States pay among the highest prices in the world for brand-name pharmaceuticals. Drugs are generally less expensive in neighboring Canada, where the government controls prices.
Under President Donald Trump, the U.S. government declared that importing drugs from Canada could be done safely — satisfying a condition spelled out in a 2003 federal drug importation law. The Trump administration finalized rules in September 2020 for states to apply.
During his campaign for the White House, Biden said he would allow consumers to import prescription drugs from other countries if the federal government certified those drugs as safe.
After Biden took office in 2021, he ordered the FDA to work with states to import prescription drugs from Canada. In a speech last year about how he was going to reduce drug prices, he cited estimates by Colorado about how much money people in the state could save through importation.
Despite the administration’s public show of support, early applicants have been frustrated by the FDA’s inaction.
In August, almost two years after submitting its drug proposal, Florida sued the federal government, accusing the Biden administration of slow-walking its review. The federal government denied the accusation. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a potential Republican presidential contender for 2024, has championed the state’s effort.
In November, about three months after Florida sued, the FDA sent Florida a 15-page letter asking it to fill dozens of gaps in its plan. The letter asked whether the state wanted to withdraw its application and submit another.
In a December court filing, Florida said “suddenly conjuring so many supposed defects” in its proposal was another “stall tactic” by the government.
New Hampshire Health and Human Services Department spokesperson Jake Leon said New Hampshire’s proposal was rejected because it did not identify a Canadian wholesaler that would provide the drugs. He said the FDA told the state it could reapply when it found one.
New Mexico remains in discussions with the FDA, said David Morgan, a state Health Department spokesperson.
Other states have signaled interest in importation but have yet to seek federal approval.
The drug industry, wary that a government-organized importation program could eat into its profits, opposes the strategy and has argued it would circumvent controls that keep drugs safe in the United States.
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the drug industry lobby known as PhRMA, sued the federal government in 2020 to block drug importation. That lawsuit is pending. The Biden administration has argued in court that the lawsuit is invalid because it’s unclear when, if ever, the administration would approve a state’s importation plan.
Many brand-name drugs sold in the U.S. are already made abroad. In addition, millions of Americans have purchased lower-priced drugs from Canada and overseas through online pharmacies and by visiting other countries.
Colorado officials said their proposal aims to save residents and employers an average of 65% off the cost of dozens of medications, including drugs for diabetes, asthma, and cancer.
Kim Bimestefer, executive director of the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing, told KHN the state wants to disrupt the current drug pricing system in which manufacturers can charge as much as the market will bear. The FDA told state officials it would take the agency six months to review its proposal, she said.
Colorado’s proposal would use an Ontario, Canada, wholesaler to send drugs through the border at Buffalo, New York, to an importer headquartered in Boise, Idaho. The drugs would be tested by an Ohio laboratory before being sent to pharmacies in Colorado and then sold to residents and employers.
Colorado will add safety checks for drugs brought in from Canada that go beyond those for drugs sold in the United States, Bimestefer said. “We are highly confident of their quality and bullish on the savings,” she said of the Canadian drugs.
Colorado’s application said the state’s importation strategy faces not only resistance from drug manufacturers but also concerns on the part of pharmacies and the Canadian government.
Canadian officials have opposed U.S. import plans because they fear the efforts could lead to drug shortages in Canada. However, Bimestefer said Colorado would bring in drugs only if ample supply exists for both countries.
What the ban on surprise medical bills means for you
What the ban on surprise medical bills means for you
![What the ban on surprise medical bills means for you](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/bd/8bd89d96-deef-5962-8710-0ea4616c6614/62e7f524b81a7.image.jpg?resize=150%2C107 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/bd/8bd89d96-deef-5962-8710-0ea4616c6614/62e7f524b81a7.image.jpg?resize=200%2C143 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/bd/8bd89d96-deef-5962-8710-0ea4616c6614/62e7f524b81a7.image.jpg?resize=225%2C160 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/bd/8bd89d96-deef-5962-8710-0ea4616c6614/62e7f524b81a7.image.jpg?resize=300%2C214 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/bd/8bd89d96-deef-5962-8710-0ea4616c6614/62e7f524b81a7.image.jpg?resize=400%2C285 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/bd/8bd89d96-deef-5962-8710-0ea4616c6614/62e7f524b81a7.image.jpg?resize=540%2C385 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/bd/8bd89d96-deef-5962-8710-0ea4616c6614/62e7f524b81a7.image.jpg?resize=640%2C456 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/bd/8bd89d96-deef-5962-8710-0ea4616c6614/62e7f524b81a7.image.jpg?resize=750%2C535 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/bd/8bd89d96-deef-5962-8710-0ea4616c6614/62e7f524b81a7.image.jpg?resize=990%2C706 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/bd/8bd89d96-deef-5962-8710-0ea4616c6614/62e7f524b81a7.image.jpg?resize=1010%2C720 1035w)
For many patients navigating America’s health care system, costly medical bills are expected, so it’s no surprise that roughly two in three adults in the U.S. worry about additional health care costs that they don’t know about. One in three Americans reported being “very worried” about incurring these surprise medical costs. The financial implications of health care kept nearly half of respondents from seeking medical care, according to a 2020 Harris Poll survey completed on behalf of the American Heart Association.
This worry is not unfounded. Thirty percent of adults with health insurance received an unexpected medical bill within the last two years, according to a 2020 analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation. This means a patient was fully or partially billed for care they believed was covered by their insurance. Emergency scenarios like calling an ambulance or landing in the ER can result in surprise medical bills when the providers are outside a patient’s insurance network. While these unexpected costs vary, the average can range from $750 to $2,600.
To combat the financial burden of unexpected medical bills, the No Surprises Act was signed into law on December 27, 2020, as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. This legislation protects insured consumers against surprise medical bills when they seek emergency care out-of-network, with the exception of ground ambulance services. It also bans surprise billing for more routine services from out-of-network providers at in-network facilities.
Sidecar Health compiled a list of facts about surprise medical bills, and what the No Surprises Act—which took effect Jan. 1—will do to combat unexpected health care bills. The information primarily comes from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the primary regulatory agency behind the No Surprises Act.
What is a surprise medical bill?
![What is a surprise medical bill?](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/1b/41bfae6e-6fb5-55d1-96e8-2426cfe6a985/62e7f524f398e.image.jpg?resize=150%2C107 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/1b/41bfae6e-6fb5-55d1-96e8-2426cfe6a985/62e7f524f398e.image.jpg?resize=200%2C143 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/1b/41bfae6e-6fb5-55d1-96e8-2426cfe6a985/62e7f524f398e.image.jpg?resize=225%2C160 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/1b/41bfae6e-6fb5-55d1-96e8-2426cfe6a985/62e7f524f398e.image.jpg?resize=300%2C214 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/1b/41bfae6e-6fb5-55d1-96e8-2426cfe6a985/62e7f524f398e.image.jpg?resize=400%2C285 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/1b/41bfae6e-6fb5-55d1-96e8-2426cfe6a985/62e7f524f398e.image.jpg?resize=540%2C385 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/1b/41bfae6e-6fb5-55d1-96e8-2426cfe6a985/62e7f524f398e.image.jpg?resize=640%2C456 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/1b/41bfae6e-6fb5-55d1-96e8-2426cfe6a985/62e7f524f398e.image.jpg?resize=750%2C535 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/1b/41bfae6e-6fb5-55d1-96e8-2426cfe6a985/62e7f524f398e.image.jpg?resize=990%2C706 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/1b/41bfae6e-6fb5-55d1-96e8-2426cfe6a985/62e7f524f398e.image.jpg?resize=1010%2C720 1035w)
Patients can incur surprise medical bills in a variety of ways, such as when they receive care from out-of-network hospitals, doctors, or other providers they did not choose. Another occurrence is when a provider charges the patient for the difference between the total cost of services and what the patient’s insurance paid out.
Many surprise medical bills come from emergency visits. Even if a patient diligently elects to go to an in-network hospital in the midst of an emergency, the patient may be seen by an out-of-network doctor at that hospital, resulting in unexpected costs. According to the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, about one of every six emergency room visits and hospital stays results in surprise medical bills.
What types of medical services will be affected?
![What types of medical services will be affected?](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/77/97726e6f-5130-5513-9c78-28d1170f8c19/62e7f52539a6c.image.jpg?resize=150%2C107 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/77/97726e6f-5130-5513-9c78-28d1170f8c19/62e7f52539a6c.image.jpg?resize=200%2C143 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/77/97726e6f-5130-5513-9c78-28d1170f8c19/62e7f52539a6c.image.jpg?resize=225%2C160 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/77/97726e6f-5130-5513-9c78-28d1170f8c19/62e7f52539a6c.image.jpg?resize=300%2C214 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/77/97726e6f-5130-5513-9c78-28d1170f8c19/62e7f52539a6c.image.jpg?resize=400%2C285 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/77/97726e6f-5130-5513-9c78-28d1170f8c19/62e7f52539a6c.image.jpg?resize=540%2C385 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/77/97726e6f-5130-5513-9c78-28d1170f8c19/62e7f52539a6c.image.jpg?resize=640%2C456 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/77/97726e6f-5130-5513-9c78-28d1170f8c19/62e7f52539a6c.image.jpg?resize=750%2C535 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/77/97726e6f-5130-5513-9c78-28d1170f8c19/62e7f52539a6c.image.jpg?resize=990%2C706 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/77/97726e6f-5130-5513-9c78-28d1170f8c19/62e7f52539a6c.image.jpg?resize=1010%2C720 1035w)
The No Surprises Act bans surprise billing for most emergency services and air ambulance transports, even if they’re received from an out-of-network provider. This means that patients cannot be charged more for out-of-network cost-sharing like copayments or deductibles when they see an out-of-network emergency provider; the cost-sharing must be based on their insurance plan’s in-network rates. This protection applies to most out-of-network emergencies and some non-emergency services.
Additionally, patients cannot be charged for out-of-network ancillary services. For example, seeing an out-of-network anesthesiologist prior to surgery at an in-network hospital will not incur surprise charges.
How does this affect existing state laws on surprise bills?
![How does this affect existing state laws on surprise bills?](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/83/783039ab-17c1-57e2-b15f-29cc66fa681e/62e7f52573466.image.jpg?resize=150%2C107 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/83/783039ab-17c1-57e2-b15f-29cc66fa681e/62e7f52573466.image.jpg?resize=200%2C143 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/83/783039ab-17c1-57e2-b15f-29cc66fa681e/62e7f52573466.image.jpg?resize=225%2C160 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/83/783039ab-17c1-57e2-b15f-29cc66fa681e/62e7f52573466.image.jpg?resize=300%2C214 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/83/783039ab-17c1-57e2-b15f-29cc66fa681e/62e7f52573466.image.jpg?resize=400%2C285 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/83/783039ab-17c1-57e2-b15f-29cc66fa681e/62e7f52573466.image.jpg?resize=540%2C385 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/83/783039ab-17c1-57e2-b15f-29cc66fa681e/62e7f52573466.image.jpg?resize=640%2C456 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/83/783039ab-17c1-57e2-b15f-29cc66fa681e/62e7f52573466.image.jpg?resize=750%2C535 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/83/783039ab-17c1-57e2-b15f-29cc66fa681e/62e7f52573466.image.jpg?resize=990%2C706 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/83/783039ab-17c1-57e2-b15f-29cc66fa681e/62e7f52573466.image.jpg?resize=1010%2C720 1035w)
As a federal law, the No Surprises Act serves as a baseline for consumer protection in all states. Many states have their own surprise billing law, which provides at least the same level of protection as the No Surprises Act. In most cases, the state law will apply but if no state law exists, the No Surprises Act applies.
Will ambulances be exempt from the ban?
![Will ambulances be exempt from the ban?](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/3f/c3f2fd91-bf1d-5158-a073-4a6986ec56f9/62e7f525abc9c.image.jpg?resize=150%2C107 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/3f/c3f2fd91-bf1d-5158-a073-4a6986ec56f9/62e7f525abc9c.image.jpg?resize=200%2C143 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/3f/c3f2fd91-bf1d-5158-a073-4a6986ec56f9/62e7f525abc9c.image.jpg?resize=225%2C160 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/3f/c3f2fd91-bf1d-5158-a073-4a6986ec56f9/62e7f525abc9c.image.jpg?resize=300%2C214 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/3f/c3f2fd91-bf1d-5158-a073-4a6986ec56f9/62e7f525abc9c.image.jpg?resize=400%2C285 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/3f/c3f2fd91-bf1d-5158-a073-4a6986ec56f9/62e7f525abc9c.image.jpg?resize=540%2C385 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/3f/c3f2fd91-bf1d-5158-a073-4a6986ec56f9/62e7f525abc9c.image.jpg?resize=640%2C456 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/3f/c3f2fd91-bf1d-5158-a073-4a6986ec56f9/62e7f525abc9c.image.jpg?resize=750%2C535 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/3f/c3f2fd91-bf1d-5158-a073-4a6986ec56f9/62e7f525abc9c.image.jpg?resize=990%2C706 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/3f/c3f2fd91-bf1d-5158-a073-4a6986ec56f9/62e7f525abc9c.image.jpg?resize=1010%2C720 1035w)
Patients cannot choose which ambulance service responds to an emergency call. Even though roughly 50% of emergency ground ambulance rides result in an out-of-network charge, these services are not included in the protections of the No Surprises Act. About 3 million privately insured patients need an ambulance each year, leaving many vulnerable to a surprise bill later. Any surprise billing related to this service will continue to fall back on state law. Currently, 10 states have rules about out-of-network surprise bills for ambulances. The average cost for ground ambulance services is $450.
Air ambulance transport services are significantly higher, with charges averaging $21,700 and up. However, emergency air transportation is protected under the No Surprises Act, which requires that an insurer cover air transport providers as an out-of-network service, with the patient only paying a standard out-of-network co-pay or deductible.
No health insurance? You’ll get a ‘good faith estimate’
![No health insurance? You'll get a 'good faith estimate'](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/51/651f9d52-2649-5469-99a7-79644c420315/62e7f5260a189.image.jpg?resize=150%2C107 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/51/651f9d52-2649-5469-99a7-79644c420315/62e7f5260a189.image.jpg?resize=200%2C143 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/51/651f9d52-2649-5469-99a7-79644c420315/62e7f5260a189.image.jpg?resize=225%2C160 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/51/651f9d52-2649-5469-99a7-79644c420315/62e7f5260a189.image.jpg?resize=300%2C214 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/51/651f9d52-2649-5469-99a7-79644c420315/62e7f5260a189.image.jpg?resize=400%2C285 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/51/651f9d52-2649-5469-99a7-79644c420315/62e7f5260a189.image.jpg?resize=540%2C385 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/51/651f9d52-2649-5469-99a7-79644c420315/62e7f5260a189.image.jpg?resize=640%2C456 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/51/651f9d52-2649-5469-99a7-79644c420315/62e7f5260a189.image.jpg?resize=750%2C535 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/51/651f9d52-2649-5469-99a7-79644c420315/62e7f5260a189.image.jpg?resize=990%2C706 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/swvatoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/51/651f9d52-2649-5469-99a7-79644c420315/62e7f5260a189.image.jpg?resize=1010%2C720 1035w)
“Good faith” cost estimates are provided to people without insurance, or those who have insurance but choose to pay for medical expenses out of their own pocket. While these estimates are not meant to be precise, they should be reasonably detailed with a list of expected charges and services related to a patient’s care. If a bill comes in at least $400 higher than the good faith estimate, patients can file a dispute claim within 120 days of the billing date. Patients can utilize a federally regulated dispute process to determine what amount must be paid in the case of an inaccurate estimate.
This story originally appeared on Sidecar Health and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.
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