Is This Bill Right? · Dillingham Benefits

2. Anything here sound familiar?

It was an emergency, or care at an in-network hospital from a doctor I didn't choose The bill says out-of-network, but I checked and they were in-network It was a checkup, screening, or preventive visit that I thought was free The service was more than 6 months ago I think I'm being billed twice, or already paid at the visit The amount is much bigger than the estimate I was given There's a separate "facility fee" I don't understand It's already gone to collections

First move

The six things to check on any bill

The date of service and provider match a visit you actually had There's an EOB for the same date, and the "patient responsibility" matches the bill No line item appears twice Nothing you paid at the visit (copay, deposit) is missing from the credits The amount billed is the insurer's allowed amount, not the full sticker "charge" If the bill is for a hospital or facility, you asked for an itemized statement (not a summary)

Education only. Billing rules vary by plan and state; your EOB and plan documents govern. If a bill has gone to collections, you may also have rights under consumer-protection law — a nonprofit credit counselor or legal aid can help.

Start with the EOB

Decode it line by line

The EOB is the answer key to the bill. →

If it's correct but too much

How to negotiate a medical bill

Discounts, payment plans, and financial assistance. →

"This bill looks wrong."

1. Do you have the matching EOB from your insurance?

2. Anything here sound familiar?

The six things to check on any bill