Checklist

What to Do Before You Pay a Medical Bill

Most medical bills are correct. But paying on autopilot means you'll never catch the ones that aren't. Run through these five checks first — takes a few minutes, and could save real money.

1

Compare it to your EOB

Match the bill's "amount you owe" against your EOB's "patient responsibility" for the same date of service. See our guide to reading an EOB if you're not sure which figure is which.

2

Check the numbers actually match

If they're off by more than a few dollars, that's worth investigating before paying — see why bills and EOBs disagree.

3

Request an itemized statement

A summary total hides duplicate charges. Here's exactly how to ask for one.

4

Check your Good Faith Estimate, if you got one

If you're uninsured or self-pay and the final bill is $400+ above your estimate, you may be eligible to dispute it. Check the $400 rule instantly.

5

Check whether balance billing protections apply

Emergency care and certain out-of-network providers at in-network facilities have federal protections. Take the free quiz to check your situation.

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