Check a medical bill

1. 01Wait for the explanation of benefitsIf you have insurance, your plan sends an explanation of benefits (EOB) after it processes a claim. It shows what was billed, the price your plan allowed, what the plan paid and what you may owe. It is not a bill, but the bill should agree with it.
2. 02Ask for an itemized billA summary bill hides the detail. Ask the billing office for an itemized bill that lists each service with its date, its billing code and its charge.
3. 03Check the basicsMake sure your name, insurance details and dates of service are right, and that every line is for care you actually received.
4. 04Look for duplicatesThe same code more than once on the same day can be a real repeat or a mistake. Ask about any line you do not recognize.
5. 05Compare the bill with the EOBThe amount the provider asks you to pay should match what your EOB says you owe. If the bill is higher, ask the billing office why before you pay.
6. 06Check for surprise billing protectionUnder the No Surprises Act, emergency room visits, non-emergency care connected to a visit to an in-network hospital, hospital outpatient department or ambulatory surgical center, and air ambulance services are in most cases protected from out-of-network bills. For emergency care you cannot be charged more than your in-network cost sharing. Ground ambulance services are generally not covered.CMS: Know your rights
7. 07Without insurance, find your good faith estimateIf you are uninsured or not using insurance, providers usually must give you a good faith estimate when you schedule care at least three business days ahead, or when you ask. If a provider or facility charged at least $400 more than its estimate, you can start a dispute within 120 days of getting the first bill.CMS: Your rights without insurance
8. 08Ask about financial assistanceTax-exempt hospitals must have a written financial assistance policy covering emergency and other medically necessary care. It sets out who qualifies for free or discounted care and how to apply. Ask for the policy and the application.IRS: Financial assistance policies
9. 09See what the hospital publishesSince January 1, 2021, hospitals have had to post their prices online, including a machine-readable file of all items and services and a consumer-friendly display of shoppable services.CMS: Hospital price transparency
10. 10Keep a recordWrite down who you spoke to, when, and what they said. Ask for any correction, discount or payment plan in writing.

General information, checked against the government pages linked above on November 2, 2026. It is not legal or financial advice.