No Surprises Act
Updated September 30, 2026
Definition
A federal law, in effect since January 1, 2022, that protects you from many surprise out-of-network bills. It covers most emergency care, air ambulance rides, and some care at in-network facilities.
The No Surprises Act is a federal law that limits surprise bills from providers outside your plan's network. It took effect on January 1, 2022. It also gives people without insurance the right to a good faith estimate.
It protects people with job-based, Marketplace, and other private coverage in 3 main cases. These are emergency care, air ambulance rides, and care from out-of-network providers at in-network hospitals and surgery centers. In these cases, you generally pay only your in-network share. For example, say an out-of-network anesthesiologist at your in-network hospital charges $2,000. If your in-network share would be $300, that's generally all you owe.
Ground ambulance rides usually aren't covered, and the protections don't apply to Medicare, Medicaid, VA, or TRICARE. For questions, call the No Surprises Help Desk at 1-800-985-3059. Our guide asks does the No Surprises Act apply to my bill.
Related terms
Guides that use this term
- GuideDoes the No Surprises Act apply to my bill?The No Surprises Act limits many surprise out-of-network bills. See when it applies, what it doesn't cover, and what to do if you get a surprise bill.
- GuideOut-of-network anesthesia at an in-network hospitalGot an out-of-network anesthesia bill after care at an in-network hospital? Federal law usually limits you to your in-network share. Here's what to do.
- Start hereHow to avoid surprise medical billsMost surprise medical bills can be prevented. Use this routine before care: check networks, get approval and a price estimate, and know your rights.
Sources
- Know your rights with insurance (No Surprises Act), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Accessed September 30, 2026.
- Know your medical bill rights when not using insurance, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Accessed September 30, 2026.
This is general information, not legal or medical advice. Rules can depend on your plan and your state. Romi Care isn't an insurer, law firm, collection agency, or government program.