What Is the No Surprises Act?
The No Surprises Act is a federal law that took effect on January 1, 2022. It was designed to address one of the most frustrating problems in American healthcare: surprise medical bills. Before this law, patients could receive enormous bills from out-of-network providers they didn’t choose — an anesthesiologist at an in-network hospital, an air ambulance, or a specialist called in during emergency surgery. The No Surprises Act puts an end to most of these situations.
Emergency Services Are Protected
Under the No Surprises Act, you cannot be balance billed for emergency services, regardless of whether the facility or providers are in your insurance network. This applies to:
- Emergency room visits
- Emergency stabilization care
- Post-stabilization care until you can safely be transferred
- Air ambulance services from out-of-network providers
Your cost-sharing (copay, coinsurance, deductible) is based on in-network rates, even if the provider is out of network. The provider and insurer work out the rest between themselves — you’re not caught in the middle.
Good Faith Estimates for Uninsured Patients
If you’re uninsured or paying out of pocket, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate before scheduled services. If the final bill exceeds the estimate by $400 or more, you can dispute it through a federal process. This is a powerful tool — and most patients don’t know it exists.
How to File a Complaint
If you believe you’ve been balance billed in violation of the No Surprises Act, you can take action:
- Contact your insurer and reference the No Surprises Act, citing 42 USC §300gg-111
- File a complaint with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) at 1-800-985-3059
- Contact your state’s insurance department — many states have additional protections that go beyond the federal law
The No Surprises Act doesn’t cover all situations — ground ambulances and some post-stabilization scenarios have exceptions. But for the vast majority of surprise billing situations, you’re protected.
Not sure if the No Surprises Act applies to your bill? Upload it to AskBenji’s free bill review and we’ll check automatically. Our analysis flags No Surprises Act violations and drafts a dispute letter citing the specific provisions that protect you.