Your Rights and Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills

At Ember & Bloom Counseling LLC, we are committed to transparency and ensuring our clients fully understand their rights under the federal No Surprises Act, effective January 1, 2022.

What is the No Surprises Act?

The No Surprises Act protects clients from unexpected medical bills in certain circumstances, such as:

• Emergency services received from out-of-network providers or facilities.
• Non-emergency services provided by out-of-network providers at in-network facilities.
• Services from out-of-network air ambulance providers.

In these situations, clients cannot be charged more than the in-network cost-sharing amount for covered services.

Understanding Balance Billing

Balance billing happens when an out-of-network provider bills you for the difference between their charge and what your insurance agrees to pay.

Under the No Surprises Act, balance billing is prohibited in the situations listed above. You are only responsible for:

• Your in-network copay, coinsurance, and deductible amounts.

If you receive services outside these protected situations, you may still be balance billed.

Your Right to a Good Faith Estimate

If you are uninsured or choose to pay for services out of pocket, you have the right to request a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges before receiving services.

The Good Faith Estimate includes:

• A detailed breakdown of costs for scheduled services.
• Estimates provided within a reasonable time frame.

To request a Good Faith Estimate, please visit our Insurance & Rates page or contact us at (203) 212-9024.

What to Do if You Receive a Surprise Medical Bill

If you believe you’ve been improperly billed or your rights under the No Surprises Act have been violated, you can:

• Contact the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) No Surprises Help Desk at (800)985-3059.
• Submit a complaint online at CMS's No Surprises Complaint Form.

Additional Information for Connecticut Clients

Connecticut also has state-specific protections against surprise billing. For more details, visit the Connecticut Department of Insurance website.

Our Commitment

At Ember & Bloom Counseling LLC, we are dedicated to providing clear, upfront information about costs. If you have questions about your bill or the No Surprises Act, don’t hesitate to reach out.