Your Rights Under Federal Law

Surprise Bill Protection

The No Surprises Act protects you from unexpected medical bills. Know your rights and learn how to fight unfair charges.

Services Protected by the No Surprises Act

Emergency Services

All emergency room visits at any hospital

Air Ambulance

Emergency air transportation services

Out-of-Network at In-Network Facilities

Anesthesiologists, radiologists, pathologists at in-network hospitals

Services NOT Protected

These services may still result in balance billing

  • Ground ambulance services
  • Out-of-network services where you gave written consent
  • Post-stabilization care after you could safely transfer

How to Dispute a Surprise Bill

1

Review Your Bill Carefully

Check for billing codes, dates of service, and provider information. Request an itemized bill if needed.

Pro Tip: Look for CPT codes ending in -22 (unusual services) or -99 (multiple modifiers)
2

Contact Your Insurance First

Call the member services number on your insurance card. Ask why the claim was processed as out-of-network.

Pro Tip: Document the date, time, representative name, and reference number
3

File a Formal Appeal

Submit a written appeal within 180 days. Include all supporting documents.

Pro Tip: Use certified mail with return receipt for paper submissions
4

Request Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR)

If your appeal is denied, you can request federal IDR within 4 months.

Pro Tip: Federal IDR is between your plan and the provider, not you. Its administrative fee is not refundable; only the separate IDR-entity fee is returned to whoever wins.

Download Dispute Letter Template

Use our pre-written template to formally dispute surprise medical bills.

CMS Helpline

Contact the federal No Surprises Help Desk for assistance.

1-800-985-3059

Frequently Asked Questions

Need Help Fighting a Medical Bill?

Our negotiation tools generate dispute letters, flag billing errors, and compare your bill against local market data — helping members pursue reductions on eligible bills.

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