Understanding Your Explanation of Benefits (EOB)
An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is a statement from your insurer—not a bill—that shows how your claim was processed. It explains the submitted charge, what the insurer paid, and what you may owe.
Key parts of an EOB
Provider charge: The amount billed by the provider.
Allowed amount: The negotiated rate your insurer recognizes.
Insurance payment: What your insurer paid to the provider.
Patient responsibility: Copay, coinsurance, or deductible amounts you may owe.
Using your EOB
Compare the EOB to the provider’s bill. If they don’t match, request clarification. EOBs are important evidence when disputing charges.
Sources include CDC, NIH, PubMed, LabTestsOnline and selected works by Dr. Atul Gawande, Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee, Dr. Eric Topol, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Dr. Abraham Verghese, Dr. Paul Offit, Dr. Jerome Groopman, Dr. Peter Attia, Dr. Danielle Ofri, and Dr. Lisa Sanders.
Medical disclaimer: This article is informational and not medical advice. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911.