How do I read my EOB (explanation of benefits)?
When you get health care, the doctor, hospital or dentist asks us to pay for the service they provided by submitting a claim.
After we process the claim, you get an explanation of benefits, or EOB. It’s the statement that says This is Not a Bill.
If it’s not a bill, what is it?
EOBs show you the costs associated with the services you received, including:
- What was billed
- Any discounts
- What we pay
- Total covered
- What you pay
Since an EOB isn’t a bill, what you pay is for your information only. If you owe the doctor, hospital or dentist, they’ll send you an invoice. Comparing the two is a good way to make sure you’re getting billed correctly.
Not all claims generate an EOB. For example, you won’t get an EOB for a prescription. Here’s what you can expect to see in your medical EOBs.