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Understanding EOBs & Medical Bills

After healthcare is provided, you may receive an Explanation of Benefits from your insurer and a separate bill from the provider. Learn what each document means and what to compare before paying.

✓ EOB ≠ bill✓ Claim education✓ Compare before paying
Family learning how to review an explanation of benefits and medical bill
Important: An Explanation of Benefits is generally not a bill. It explains how the insurer processed a claim. A provider may separately send a bill for the amount it says you owe.
EOB Basics

What an Explanation of Benefits Can Show

1

Provider Charge

The amount submitted by the healthcare provider for the service.

2

Allowed or Covered Amount

The amount recognized by the plan under applicable coverage and network arrangements.

3

Plan Payment

The amount the insurer indicates it paid or will pay under applicable plan terms.

4

Member Responsibility

The amount the EOB indicates may be your responsibility through deductible, copay, coinsurance or other applicable terms.

5

Reason or Remark Codes

Explanations for how portions of the claim were processed, adjusted or not covered.

When a Bill Arrives

Compare Before You Pay

01Match the Provider and DateConfirm the bill relates to the healthcare service shown on the EOB.
02Compare the AmountCompare the provider's requested amount with the member-responsibility information on the EOB.
03Look for DifferencesIf the amounts do not make sense, do not assume which document is correct without checking.
04Ask the Right PartyContact the insurer about claim processing and the provider about its bill when clarification is needed.
Claim Flow

From Healthcare Service to Member Responsibility

The exact process varies, but this simplified flow can help explain why an EOB and provider bill may arrive separately.

Care Received
Claim Submitted
Insurer Processes
EOB Issued
Provider Billing

Simplified educational flow. Claims, appeals, adjustments and provider billing can involve additional steps.

Something Looks Wrong?

Know Where to Start

Insurer Question

Ask about coverage, network processing, deductible application, denial reasons, claim status or applicable appeal information.

Provider Question

Ask about services billed, coding, payment posting, account balance or whether a corrected claim may be needed.

Keep Records

Save relevant EOBs, bills, claim numbers, correspondence and notes from calls while an issue is being reviewed.

Consumer Education

Understand the Paperwork Behind Your Coverage

Use BenefitRoute's glossary whenever an insurance term on an EOB, plan document or medical bill is unfamiliar.

Open Health Insurance Glossary →