top of page

No Surprise Billing & Good Faith Estimates

​

Your Rights and Protections at Art of Therapy Center

​

At Art of Therapy Center, we want you to feel emotionally and financially safe when you come for care. That means being upfront about costs and making sure you understand your rights under federal “No Surprises” billing laws.

These laws are designed to protect you from unexpected, very high medical bills, especially when you unknowingly receive care from an out-of-network provider.

​

What “Out-of-Network” Means

​

A provider or facility is considered out-of-network when they do not have a contract with your health insurance plan.

Getting care from an out-of-network provider may cost you more, and in some situations your health plan may not apply what you pay toward your deductible or out-of-pocket maximum.

You always have the right to:

  • Ask if a provider is in-network with your plan

  • Request an in-network provider or facility, when available

  • Ask your insurance plan for help finding in-network options

You are never required to sign any form that gives up your billing protections, especially if you did not have a real choice of providers (for example, if someone was assigned to you and you couldn’t choose another option).

​

Your Protections From Surprise Bills

​

In many situations, federal law protects you from higher bills if:

  • You receive emergency care from an out-of-network provider or facility, or

  • You are treated by an out-of-network provider at an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center and you did not knowingly consent to out-of-network care

If you’re unsure whether these protections apply to you, we encourage you to:

  • Contact your health plan, and/or

  • Ask our team or a patient advocate for help

​

Good Faith Estimates at Art of Therapy Center

​

If you are uninsured or choose not to use insurance, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate (GFE)explaining how much your care is expected to cost.

At Art of Therapy Center:

  • You can request a customized Good Faith Estimate when you inquire about services.

  • Your estimate will outline the expected costs for sessions and services with your specific provider.

  • The estimate is based on information known at the time and is meant to help you plan and avoid financial surprises.

Please note:

  • Your Good Faith Estimate does not include unexpected or unknown costs that may arise during treatment.

  • If your care changes (for example, more sessions than originally planned), your costs may change as well.

​

If Your Bill Is Higher Than Your Estimate

​

If you receive a bill that is substantially higher than your Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to:

  • Contact us at 980-484-2111 to review and discuss the bill

  • Ask us to adjust the bill to match your Good Faith Estimate, when appropriate

  • Ask about payment options or financial assistance

  • Use the federal dispute process, if needed

You may start a dispute process with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within 120 days of the date on your original bill. There is a small fee to use this process.

To learn more or start a dispute:

We encourage you to keep a copy of your Good Faith Estimate for your records.

​

Choosing to Waive Protections (Out-of-Network)

​

In some situations, clients may choose to receive care from an out-of-network provider and sign a form acknowledging:

  • You understand the provider is out-of-network

  • You understand you may pay more and that some amounts may not count toward your deductible or out-of-pocket maximum

  • You are choosing this option voluntarily, without pressure or coercion

You do not have to sign this type of form. If you prefer, you can ask to see an in-network provider instead (if available under your health plan).

You may also cancel or change your decision by notifying us in writing before receiving services.

​

Need Help Understanding Any of This?

​

We know insurance language can be confusing and overwhelming. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

  • For help understanding your estimate or this notice, call our Practice Manager, Joy Henderson, at 980-484-2111.

  • For questions about your specific benefits, coverage, or network status, please contact your health insurance plandirectly.

  • For questions about your rights under federal law, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (800) 368-1019.

Our goal is to provide clear, compassionate care—emotionally, clinically, and financially. If you’re unsure about anything, please ask. We’re here to help.

bottom of page