Don't pay until the bill matches your EOB. AI only helps you read.
Step 1: Find both papers
- The bill from your doctor or hospital.
- The EOB (Explanation of Benefits) from your insurance. Medicare's is the Medicare Summary Notice.
- An EOB or Summary Notice is not a bill.
New to this? Try the practice bill first.
Step 2: Cover private details
- Cover your member ID, Social Security number and account numbers.
- Pasting? Delete the numbers first. Photo? Cover them with paper.
- Then copy the text, or add a photo.
Step 3: Ask AI to line them up
Paste the prompt. Add the bill and the EOB after it, in one message. Then send.
Read this medical bill and this EOB. List the provider, dates of service, amount billed, insurance paid and what I owe. Quote the exact line for each figure. Flag anything that does not match. Do not give medical or legal advice. The papers:
Step 4: Check the bill against the EOB
- Find "What you owe" on the EOB yourself. Does the bill ask for the same amount?
- Check each date and service. Look for repeats.
- AI won't tell you who to call. Use a number you look up yourself.
Step 5: Call before you pay
- Bill is higher than the EOB? Call the provider's billing office.
- Insurance question? Call the number on your insurance card.
- Look up both numbers yourself. Ask for an itemized bill.
- Call before the due date. Ask them to hold the bill.
| Who | How |
|---|---|
| Surprise out-of-network or ER bills (No Surprises Help Desk) | 1-800-985-3059 |
| Original Medicare | 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) |
Checked: medicare.gov (Medicare Summary Notice), cms.gov (Medical bill rights; Reading your EOB; ER surprise bill action plan), consumerfinance.gov (What should I do if I can't pay a medical bill?), Oct 16, 2026.
Practice bill and EOB
PRACTICE - NOT REAL. Made up for this guide. Do not call the numbers.
==================== PRACTICE - NOT REAL ==================== BIRCHWOOD FAMILY CLINIC - PATIENT BILL Billing office: (555) 010-6120 billing@birchwood-clinic.example Patient: Pat Sample Account: XXXX-0000 Date of service: 09/08/2026 Office visit, Dr. Lee $250.00 Insurance payment -$60.00 Adjustment -$50.00 AMOUNT DUE BY 11/01/2026 $140.00 ------------------------------------------------------------ OAKLINE HEALTH PLAN - EXPLANATION OF BENEFITS THIS IS NOT A BILL Member services: (555) 010-6190 Member: Pat Sample Member ID: XXXXXXXX Provider: Birchwood Family Clinic Date of service: 09/08/2026 Office visit Provider charges $250.00 Allowed $200.00 Paid by plan $160.00 What you owe $40.00 ==================== PRACTICE - NOT REAL ====================
How did you do? A good AI answer:
- Lists Birchwood, 09/08/2026, $250 billed.
- Quotes the bill: insurance paid $60, amount due $140.
- Quotes the EOB: plan paid $160, you owe $40.
- Flags the $100 gap.
- Says call the billing office before paying.