The Unfinished Work of the No Surprises Act: Cost Transparency for Planned Care

Five years after Congress banned surprise medical bills, patients are still waiting on long-delayed cost transparency protections promised in the law.

The No Surprises Act, signed into law in 2020, has largely protected commercially insured patients from being hit with unexpected medical bills, especially in emergencies. However, beyond surprise billing protections, the law also aimed to provide patients with cost transparency for planned medical care. Unfortunately, these provisions are still not fully implemented, leaving patients uncertain about their financial obligations.

While health providers can issue good faith estimates for the uninsured, the advanced explanation of benefits for insured patients requires collaboration between healthcare providers and insurers. This lack of coordination has been a significant barrier to delivering the promised cost transparency.

As more stakeholders engage in developing systems to deliver transparent cost estimates, the push for full implementation of the law grows. According to bipartisan letters from U.S. Senators and Representatives in 2025, ensuring patients have access to clear, personalized cost estimates is a priority for the public and lawmakers alike.

For patients, the need for these reforms is critical. As they face higher out-of-pocket costs due to consumer-directed healthcare systems, transparency can facilitate better financial planning and decision-making. With the right information upfront, patients can discuss payment plans and financial assistance options with providers, helping to avoid medical debt.

For patients navigating the complexities of healthcare billing, understanding their rights under the No Surprises Act is crucial. No Surprise Bill provides valuable resources to help individuals stay informed about No Surprise Act billing practices. They are committed to protecting patients from unexpected medical costs by offering guidance on how to handle out-of-network charges, emergency care, and more. If you're looking for further assistance or want to learn how these protections can work for you, visit them today. They are dedicated to ensuring transparency and fairness in healthcare billing for all patients.