Answer 2: B
That statement is an Explanation of Benefits. It is your best tool for checking a medical bill. It usually shows the amount the provider billed, the “allowed amount” your plan agreed to, what the plan paid, and what you may owe toward your deductible, copay or coinsurance.
For an in-network provider, the amount on your bill should generally match the “you may owe” line on the EOB. If the bill is higher, ask the provider why before you pay. A common cause is that the provider billed you for the difference between its full price and the allowed amount, which in-network providers generally are not supposed to do.
Tip: keep EOBs in a folder or download them from your insurer’s website. You will need them if you ever dispute a bill.
Question 3 of 8: The one-line bill
Your hospital bill shows a single line: “Inpatient services: $8,950.” What should you ask for?
- A. Nothing; hospitals only send summary bills
- B. An itemized bill listing each charge and its billing code
- C. A discount coupon
- D. Your full medical chart before you pay anything