The facility estimate should identify the legal billing entity, expected services, estimated charges, deposits, refund or cancellation terms, and items that might be billed separately. The insurer estimate should state the network status used, deductible remaining, allowed-amount method, coinsurance, out-of-pocket rules, authorization requirements, and exclusions. Ask each source how long its information remains valid.
Do not reduce the decision to the lowest quoted number. SAMHSA quality guidance supports asking about licensing, accreditation, evidence-supported care, medications when clinically appropriate, family involvement, and continuing-care planning. Ask each facility directly and verify claims with appropriate sources. For Living Longer Recovery, the DHCS record is a starting point for facility-record facts, not confirmation of accreditation, named care methods, medications, family practices, or continuing-care arrangements.
- Do both estimates describe the same setting, dates, services, and billing parties?
- Which costs are excluded or conditional?
- What changes if admission timing, authorization, or the care plan changes?