Federal and Maryland laws protect you from certain unexpected medical bills, also called surprise bills or balance bills.

When are you protected?

You generally cannot be charged more than your health plan's in-network cost-sharing amount when you:

• Receive emergency services from an out-of-network provider or facility
• Receive certain services from an out-of-network provider at an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center, including emergency medicine, anesthesia, pathology, radiology, laboratory, neonatology, assistant surgeon, hospitalist, and intensivist services.

You are never required to give up your protections against balance billing.

Maryland law provides additional protections for members of certain Maryland-regulated HMO, PPO, and EPO plans, including protections in certain circumstances involving ground ambulance services.

If you don't have insurance or are paying for care yourself

You generally have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of the expected cost of scheduled care. If a bill from a provider or facility is $400 or more above the amount listed on your Good Faith Estimate, you may be able to dispute the bill. Generally, you must begin the federal dispute process within 120 days of receiving the first bill.

Health Care for the Homeless

Health Care for the Homeless provides comprehensive health care and supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. We provide care regardless of insurance coverage. If you have Medicaid or Medicare, we accept most plans. If you do not have insurance, our staff can help you explore insurance and benefits options.

As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Health Care for the Homeless operates on a sliding fee scale based on income and ability to pay. Consistent with federal law, no one is denied care at Health Care for the Homeless because they are unable to pay.

If you have questions about a Health Care for the Homeless bill or believe you have been billed incorrectly, please contact us:

• Health Care for the Homeless:
  Phone: 410-837-5533
  Address: 421 Fallsway, Baltimore, MD 21202
   

If you believe you were wrongly billed

• Maryland Office of the Attorney General – Health Education and Advocacy Unit
  Toll-Free: 1-877-261-8807
  Provides assistance with health care billing and coverage problems.
• Maryland Insurance Administration
  Toll-Free: 1-800-492-6116
  Contact the Maryland Insurance Administration if you believe your health plan processed your claim incorrectly.
• Federal No Surprises Help Desk
  Phone: 1-800-985-3059
  Provides information and assistance with your rights under the federal No Surprises Act.
• For more information about Maryland protections, visit the Maryland Attorney General's No Surprises Act page
   

This notice summarizes certain protections available under federal and Maryland law. Your specific rights may depend on your health plan and the services you receive.