The No Surprises Act

Surprise bills it covers (CMS)

• Emergency room visits
• Non-emergency care related to a visit to an in-network hospital, hospital outpatient department, or ambulatory surgical center
• Air ambulance services

Common questions

Does the No Surprises Act apply to ground ambulances?

CMS’s summary lists air ambulance services, not ground ambulances. Check CMS and your state’s rules for ground ambulance billing.

When did the No Surprises Act take effect?

January 1, 2022, according to CMS.

Sources

1. Medical bill rights (No Surprises Act)↗ (opens in a new tab) — Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Questions about this page

Tell us if something here is unclear or out of date. We cannot recommend a clinic, check your insurance, or advise on your care. In an emergency, call 911.

We can’t answer questions about your own diagnosis, medication, or treatment — please ask your prescriber. We also can’t book appointments, check your insurance, or refer you to a clinic.

Related pages

• In vs out of network

  Your plan’s network is the facilities, providers, and suppliers it has contracted with. Staying in network is usually the single biggest thing you can do to keep costs predictable.

• Urgent care vs ER

  MedlinePlus lists four options for an unexpected illness or injury: a nurse advice line from your plan or employer, your own provider, an urgent care clinic, or the emergency department. The right one depends on how quickly you need care.