Disclosures

The No Surprises Act was created to prevent consumers from receiving “surprise” medical bills from out-of-network providers. Under this act, clients who do not have insurance, or who are not using their insurance, have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” that explains how much their medical care will cost: https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises

This Good Faith Estimate shows the costs of items and services that are reasonably expected for your health care needs for a service. The estimate is based on information known at the time the estimate was created.  The Good Faith Estimate does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment. You could be charged more if complications or special circumstances occur. If this happens, federal law allows you to dispute (appeal) the bill.

If you are billed for more than this Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute the bill. You may contact the health care provider or facility listed to let them know the billed charges are higher than the Good Faith Estimate. You can ask them to update the bill to match the Good Faith Estimate, ask to negotiate the bill, or ask if there is financial assistance available. You may also 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 within 120 calendar days of the date on the original bill. There is a $25 fee to use the dispute process. If the agency reviewing your dispute agrees with you, you will only pay the price on the Good Faith Estimate. If the agency disagrees with you/agrees with the health care provider, you will have to pay the higher amount. To learn more/start the process, go to  www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call HHS at 800-368-1019.

The Texas Administrative Code, Title 22, Chapter 681.48, requires that you are provided with the following information if you believe your counselor has engaged in an ethical violation. If you would like to report it, please contact the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors at 333 Guadalupe St., Tower 3, Room 900, Austin, TX 78701 or at 800-821-3205. For more information, read here: https://www.bhec.texas.gov/discipline-and-complaints/index.html