No Surprises Act check
Updated September 30, 2026 · How we write our guides
How it works
The No Surprises Act protects most people with private insurance from surprise out-of-network bills for emergency care, air ambulance rides, and some care at in-network hospitals and surgery centers. Answer a few questions to see whether it likely applies to your bill. Your answers stay in your browser.
Question 1 · Your answers stay in your browser.
How this check works
The No Surprises Act took effect on January 1, 2022. It covers 3 situations for people with most private health plans:
- Emergency care, including care from out-of-network emergency rooms and doctors
- Non-emergency care from out-of-network providers at an in-network hospital, hospital outpatient department, or ambulatory surgical center
- Air ambulance rides
The questions follow those rules. The result is a starting point, not a legal answer. Your explanation of benefits (EOB) and your insurer can confirm the details. For the full picture, read does the No Surprises Act apply to my bill.
If you think you're protected
Don't pay the part of the bill above your in-network share while you sort it out. Call the provider's billing office and your insurer, and say you believe the No Surprises Act applies. If that doesn't fix it, call the No Surprises Help Desk at 1-800-985-3059 or file a complaint with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Common questions
What does it mean if I'm protected?
If the No Surprises Act applies, you should only owe what you'd pay an in-network provider: your in-network copay, coinsurance, and deductible. The provider and your insurer settle the rest between themselves. Those amounts should also count toward your in-network deductible and out-of-pocket limit.
Does the No Surprises Act cover ground ambulances?
No. The federal protections cover air ambulances but not ground ambulances. Some states have their own rules that limit ground ambulance bills. If you got a large ground ambulance bill, ask the ambulance service about its billing rules, discounts, and payment options, and check your insurer's EOB.
What if I don't have insurance?
The surprise billing protections are for people with private insurance. If you don't have insurance or don't use it, you have a different right: a good faith estimate before scheduled care. If a provider's bill is $400 or more above its estimate, you may be able to dispute it.
Who can I call with questions?
The federal No Surprises Help Desk answers questions and takes complaints at 1-800-985-3059. You can also call your insurer's member services number, which is on your insurance card. Have your bill and your explanation of benefits (EOB) nearby when you call.
Sources
- Know your rights: using health insurance, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Accessed September 30, 2026.
- Know your rights when not using insurance, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Accessed September 30, 2026.
- Medical bill rights, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Accessed September 30, 2026.
Related guides
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.