Bill higher than your Good Faith Estimate? How to dispute it
A Good Faith Estimate is a provider's written estimate of what your care will cost, which you're entitled to if you're uninsured or not using insurance. If you're uninsured or paying yourself, and a provider's bill is $400 or more above its estimate, there's a federal dispute process with a 120-day deadline.
Updated October 5, 2026 · 1 min read
The short version
- Paying yourself? If a provider's bill is $400 or more above its Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute it.
- Start within 120 days of getting the bill, at cms.gov/medical-bill-rights or 1-800-985-3059. The fee is $25.
- While the dispute is open, the bill can't go to collections.
If you don't have insurance, or you're not using it, providers must give you a Good Faith Estimate of costs for care scheduled at least 3 business days ahead, or whenever you ask. If the final bill from a provider or facility is at least $400 more than its estimate, you can ask an independent reviewer to decide what you should pay.
Who can use the dispute process?
- You were uninsured or chose not to use insurance (self-pay).
- You got a Good Faith Estimate from that provider or facility.
- Its bill is at least $400 more than its estimate.
- You start the dispute within 120 calendar days of receiving the bill.
How do you file a dispute?
- First, ask the provider to bill you the estimate. Some will adjust when you point it out, but don't let waiting push you past the 120-day deadline.
- If not, start the dispute at cms.gov/medical-bill-rights or call 1-800-985-3059.
- Upload the Good Faith Estimate and the bill. There's a non-refundable $25 fee; if the reviewer sets a lower amount, the provider has to take the $25 off what you owe.
While the dispute is open, the provider can't send the bill to collections or charge late fees. Tell them you've filed.
The 120-day deadline is strict. If you're not sure of the date you received the bill, count from the bill's date to be safe. This guide is educational, not legal advice.
Educational information only, not legal, medical or financial advice. Rules vary by state and plan.