No Surprises Act

By: Erica Stokes

Understanding the No Surprises Act and How CSBMG Supports Transparency in Mental Health Services

One of the key regulatory changes affecting healthcare providers is the No Surprises Act, which took effect on January 1, 2022. This law is designed to protect individuals from unexpected medical bills and ensure they receive clear, upfront information about the cost of care, particularly for those seeking out-of-network or self-pay services.

Key Provisions of the No Surprises Act

The No Surprises Act requires healthcare providers, including mental health professionals, to give patients a good faith estimate of the cost of services before they receive care. This applies to:

• Uninsured or self-pay clients who need clarity on the cost of services before deciding on care.
• Out-of-network care where patients seek services not covered by their insurance.

These estimates must be provided in writing and include all charges, such as out-of-network fees, copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles (Oss, 2024). Additionally, the Act protects patients from balance billing, which occurs when providers bill for charges not covered by their insurance.

CSBMG’s Commitment to Transparency

At CSBMG, we are fully committed to complying with the No Surprises Act and ensuring our patients are well-informed. As Sandi H. Harrison, our Billing/UM Manager, explains: “Our clinics maintain a chart with estimated costs, and we regularly send this information out to the clinics”. Ms. Harrison encourages our clients served and clinic personnel who have questions related to cost of service or billing to  contact our Billing/UM department at any time, and they’ll provide the necessary information.

We believe that open communication about costs is essential to building trust and reducing stress for our individuals served. By offering clear estimates and supporting our clients in understanding the financial aspects of their care, we help ensure access to affordable mental health services without unexpected costs.

Why It Matters

Unexpected medical bill often cause significant anxiety. The No Surprises Act is intended to eliminate this burden by ensuring patients have a clear understanding of what they will owe. At CSBMG, we take this responsibility seriously, providing our clients with information they need to make informed decisions about their care.

Moving Forward Together

As part of our ongoing efforts to support  behavioral health treatment options for our communities, we encourage all individuals—whether new or established, insured or uninsured—to ask for cost estimates before starting treatment. We are here to help answer any questions you may have about your care and to make sure your experience at CSBMG is as smooth as possible.

For more information on how the No Surprises Act may impact your care or to request a good faith estimate, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can continue to build a community that values transparency, support, and compassionate care.

References

Oss, M. E. (2024, September 14). It’s always something. OPEN MINDS. https://www.openminds.com