What is the No Surprises Act and how does it protect me from huge medical bills?

The No Surprises Act, in effect since 2022, protects you from most surprise out-of-network bills. If you go to an in-network hospital or facility, out-of-network providers who treat you there, such as an anesthesiologist or radiologist, generally can't balance-bill you beyond your in-network cost-sharing. It also covers emergency care at any facility and air ambulances. You have the right to a good-faith estimate if you are uninsured or self-pay, and you can dispute a bill that exceeds the estimate by $400 or more. If you get a surprise bill you think violates the law, you can file a complaint with the federal No Surprises Help Desk at cms.gov before paying it.