Solomon Copilot™The No Surprises Act, explained
The No Surprises Act changed what hospitals and out-of-network providers can bill you for. Knowing what it covers turns a scary bill into a disputable one.
What the law does
The No Surprises Act is a federal law that protects patients from many unexpected out-of-network bills. In the situations it covers, you generally can't be charged more than your in-network cost-sharing, even if a provider involved was out-of-network.
What it typically covers
- Emergency services, including out-of-network emergency care.
- Out-of-network providers at in-network facilities, like anesthesiologists, radiologists, or assistant surgeons you didn't choose.
- Air ambulance services in many cases.
If a bill falls under the Act, a charge above your in-network responsibility may be prohibited, and disputable. But the protection only helps if you recognize the situation.
Where the limits are
The Act doesn't cover everything. Certain settings, certain services, or situations where you gave informed consent to out-of-network care in advance may fall outside it. State laws can add protections on top.
How to use it
If you suspect a bill is covered, don't pay it yet. Compare it to your EOB, confirm your in-network cost-sharing, and dispute the excess in writing citing the Act. Solomon flags potential No Surprises Act situations on your bill automatically.
Stop guessing. See your bill, line by line.
Solomon scans every charge against current benchmarks, flags the errors and overcharges, and writes the dispute letter they will answer.
Analyze My Bill →Common questions
Does the No Surprises Act apply to all medical bills?
No. It focuses on emergency care, out-of-network providers at in-network facilities, and air ambulances. Routine in-network care and some other situations fall outside it.
How do I dispute a bill under the No Surprises Act?
Don't pay it first. Compare the charge to your in-network cost-sharing on your EOB, then dispute the excess in writing, citing that the situation is protected under the Act.
Sources & further reading
Reviewed and updated 2026-05-31 by Nisha A. Kuttothara, J.D.