YOUR RIGHT TO UNDERSTAND THE COST OF CARE
Good Faith Estimate
You have the right to receive an estimate of expected charges.
Under the No Surprises Act, people who do not have health insurance or who choose not to use their insurance to pay for care generally have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining the expected cost of services.
A Good Faith Estimate is not a bill. It is a written estimate based on the information available when your care is scheduled.
Lionheart Counseling will provide eligible clients with a personalized Good Faith Estimate through a secure process. This webpage explains your general rights and does not replace the individualized estimate you may receive.
When You Can Request an Estimate
If You Are Uninsured or Self-Paying
You may be eligible for a Good Faith Estimate if:
— You do not have health insurance
— You have insurance but do not intend to submit a claim for these services
— You request information about the expected cost of care
Asking about the cost of services may be treated as a request for a Good Faith Estimate.
Before Care Begins
You can request a Good Faith Estimate before scheduling care or at any time during treatment.
When services are scheduled at least three business days in advance, eligible clients generally receive an estimate before the scheduled service, within the timeframes required by federal law.
You may also request an updated estimate if the expected frequency, duration, or nature of your care changes.
What Your Personalized Estimate May Include
Your written Good Faith Estimate may include:
— The service or services reasonably expected at the time the estimate is prepared
— The anticipated frequency and duration of care
— The applicable service codes and current fees
— The estimated total cost for the period covered by the estimate
— Information about your right to question or dispute certain charges
An Estimate Is Not a Treatment Contract
Counseling is collaborative, and the course of care can change as your needs and goals become clearer.
A Good Faith Estimate does not require you to receive a particular number of sessions, and it does not prevent you from ending therapy. It also does not guarantee that every future service or circumstance can be anticipated.
If meaningful changes to the expected scope or cost of care become known, Lionheart will discuss them with you and provide an updated estimate when appropriate.
If Your Bill Is Higher Than Your Estimate
Keep a copy of your Good Faith Estimate so you can compare it with future charges.
If a bill from Lionheart Counseling is at least $400 more than the amount estimated for that provider’s services, you may be eligible to use the federal patient-provider dispute resolution process.
A dispute generally must be started within 120 calendar days of receiving the initial bill.
You may contact Lionheart Counseling to ask questions about a difference in charges. Contacting the practice does not take away your right to pursue the federal dispute process.
Learn More About Your Rights
Visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for current information about Good Faith Estimates and medical billing rights.
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Requesting Your Good Faith Estimate
If you are eligible for a Good Faith Estimate, Lionheart Counseling will provide one through the secure onboarding and documentation process.
You may also request an estimate before scheduling care or at any point during treatment. You do not need to use the words “Good Faith Estimate”—a question about the expected cost of care is enough to begin the conversation.
For general questions about fees or requesting an estimate, you may contact Lionheart Counseling. Please do not include sensitive clinical information in ordinary email or voicemail.
Current session fees and payment information are also available on the Investment & Accessibility page.