What’s an EOB, and where do I find it?
What it is
An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is a summary your health insurer sends after a visit. It shows what the provider charged, what your plan agreed to pay, and what you may owe. It is not a bill.
A labelled sample (fictional)
Northgate Benefit Services · Explanation of Benefits (made-up example)
| Provider | Amount Charged 1 | Network Savings | Your Responsibility 2 | Codes 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Provider B, lab | $226.00 | $141.15 | $84.85 | 23 |
Code 23: “The charge is more than the network rate. The provider has agreed not to bill you for this amount.”
- Amount charged: what the provider asked for, before any discount.
- Your responsibility: the most the provider should bill you for this visit (less anything you paid at the visit).
- The code legend: what each code means. It is usually on the last page. Sahi reads it first.
Where to find yours
- Your insurer’s app or website, usually under Claims or Explanation of Benefits. Download the PDF: it reads better than a photo.
- In the mail, often a few weeks after the visit.
- Or call the number on your insurance card and ask for it.
The bill
Your bill comes from the hospital or doctor’s office. For the best check, ask their billing office for an itemized bill with codes.
Don’t have both?
Start with what you have. We’ll tell you what the other paper would add.