Good Faith Estimate
Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, the “No Surprises Act,” health care providers are required to give clients who do not have insurance or who choose not to use their insurance an estimate of the bill for health care items and services.You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) showing costs of items and services you can reasonably expect for your health care needs.
The Good Faith Estimate does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you may dispute the bill.
You may contact the health care provider listed to let them know the billed charges are higher than the GFE. You may ask them to update the bill to match the GFE, negotiate the bill, or ask if financial assistance is available.
You may start a dispute resolution process with the U.S.Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). If you choose to use the dispute resolution process, you must start the dispute process within 120 calendar days of the date on the original bill.
Make sure your health care provider gives you a GFE within the following timeframes:
If the service is scheduled at least three business days before the appointment date, no later than one business day after the date of scheduling.
If the service is scheduled at least ten business days before the appointment date, make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing within three business days after scheduling.
You can also ask any health care provider for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. If you do, make sure the health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing within 3 business days after you ask.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises, email FederalPPDRQuestions@cms.hhs.gov or call 1-800-985-3059.
Note: A Good Faith Estimate is for your awareness only. It is not a contract and does not
require immediate financial commitment or payment.
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council Consumer Notice
In accordance with House Bill 4224 (89th Regular Session) and per Section 181.105 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, the following information is provided to help consumers understand their rights and available resources.
Consumers have a right to:
Request a copy of their mental health records
Contact the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC)
File a consumer complaint with Texas office of the Attorney General
Requesting Your Health Care Records
To request your records, please submit a written request to your therapist. Requests may be made via email or in writing. Records will be provided in accordance with Texas law and applicable privacy regulations.
If you have questions about accessing your records, please contact my office for assistance.
Contacting Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC)
The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) regulates licensed mental health professional in Texas. If you have questions about licensure or professional standards or to file a complaint, you may contact BHEC directly.
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Counsel
Attn: Enforcement Division
1801 Congress Ave., Ste. 7.300
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (Investigations/Complaints – toll free): 800-821-3205
Website:https://bhec.texas.gov/contact-us/
File a Consumer Complaint
Consumers may file a complaint regarding mental health services with the Texas Office of the Attorney General: