Medicare Blog

what is a medicare explanation of benefits form

by Dr. Jessica White I Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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If you have filled prescriptions using your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, you will receive a Medicare form called the Explanation of Benefits. This is important form both for your general understanding of your Medicare benefits and your personal records.

An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is the notice that your Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D prescription drug plan typically sends you after you receive medical services or items. You only receive an EOB if you have Medicare Advantage or Part D.

Full Answer

What is Medicare statement of benefits?

  • The Original Medicare Plan- Available almost everywhere in the U.S. This is the way most people get their Medicare Pat A and Part B benefits. ...
  • Medicare Managed Care Plans- Like HMO’s, available in some areas of the country. You can go to doctors, specialists, or hospitals that are part of the plan. ...
  • Private Fee-for-Service Plans- This is a new Medicare health care choice in some areas. You may go to any doctor, specialist, or hospital. ...

What is Medicare's Explanation of benefits called?

Each month you fill a prescription, your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan mails you an "Explanation of Benefits" (EOB). This notice gives you a summary of your prescription drug claims and costs.

What benefits are covered by Medicare?

Medicare Part B provides coverage and benefits related to general medical care from doctors such as checkups, exams, and necessary durable medical equipment. In addition to the full coverage Medicare Part A and B provide, individuals can enroll in Medicare Part D and take advantage of the programs prescription drug benefits.

How to Check my Medicare benefits?

The easiest way to calculate your benefit is by taking your monthly payment and multiplying it by 5.9 percent. On a caluclator this would be the function (x * 1.059), if "x" equals your current benefits. That will give you the increase you will see reflected in your check.

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What is the purpose of the Explanation of Benefits?

An EOB is a statement from your health insurance plan describing what costs it will cover for medical care or products you've received. The EOB is generated when your provider submits a claim for the services you received. The insurance company sends you EOBs to help make clear: The cost of the care you received.

Who receives the explanation of benefits?

Your insurer determines how much of the bill they are prepared to pay. Regardless of whether or not you owe anything, you will still receive an explanation of benefits statement. 4. The health insurance provider will pay their portion of the bill directly to the healthcare provider.

What is the difference between a claim and explanation of benefits?

Claim: This is defined as a formal request for your insurance company to provide coverage for your medical expenses. EOB: A document that shows how much the insurance paid, your responsibility and what information may be needed to complete your claim.

What is included in an explanation of benefits?

EOB means Explanation of Benefits. It is a statement from your health insurance company providing details on payment for a medical service you received and explains what portion of those services were paid by your insurance plan and what part you're responsible for paying.

Should I keep Explanation of Benefits?

When you or someone you are caring for is seriously ill, it is recommended that you keep EOBs for five years after the illness or condition is alleviated. If you or the patient is claiming or has claimed a medical deduction, keep the explanation of benefits for seven years.

What's another term for Explanation of Benefits?

Explanation of benefits, also called an EOB.

What is allowed amount on EOB?

The maximum amount a plan will pay for a covered health care service. May also be called “eligible expense,” “payment allowance,” or “negotiated rate.”

Is explanation of benefits a bill?

The Explanation of Benefits is not a bill so, no, you shouldn't pay anything yet. It's really just a report of what your insurance plan is going to cover, based on what the doctor has charged and what type of plan you have.

How do you read an EOB for dummies?

1:342:35How to Read Your Medical EOB - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe amount you pay for the service this is the amount that you will be billed. Remember the EOB isMoreThe amount you pay for the service this is the amount that you will be billed. Remember the EOB is not a bill it just shows you how the costs are distributed. If you have any questions by your EOB.

What are the key areas to look at the EOB?

Key Sections of an EOBProvider Information. This section includes the name of your health care provider (doctor, hospital, or other health care professional or service). ... Member Information. ... Provided Services and Charges. ... Plan Responsibility. ... Member Responsibility. ... Plan Status. ... Claim Notes.

Is explanation of benefits the same as Summary of benefits?

0:000:38Explanation of Benefits vs. Summary of Benefits and Coverage vs. Your BillYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAmount you will owe based on your benefits. Your bill is sent separately by your provider with theMoreAmount you will owe based on your benefits. Your bill is sent separately by your provider with the remaining portion you owe you pay this bill whereas the explanation of benefits demands. No action.

What is the difference between COB and EOB in medical billing?

COB stands for “ close of business.” It refers to the end of a business day and the close of the financial markets in New York City, which define U.S. business hours. COB can be used interchangeably with end of business (EOB), end of day (EOD), end of play (EOP), close of play (COP), and close of business (COB).

What Does An Explanation of Benefits include?

  • An Explanation of Benefits includes a summary of the health care services and products received by the policyholder. It will list the dates of service, the provider’s name, and the amount charged for each service. In addition, Explanations of Benefits may also include information such as: 1. The insurance company’s payment to the provider 2. Explanations of how the policyholder’s insu…
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Section 1

  • Section 1 of the EOB shows your prescription purchases for the previous month. There may be one or two charts in this section, depending on whether or not you filled prescriptions using drugs covered by your plan and additional drugs provided via your plan’s supplemental coverage. Each chart is divided into four or more vertical columns. 1. Column one indicates the drug and the pur…
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Section 2

  • If you have filled prescriptions using your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, you will receive a Medicare form called the Explanation of Benefits. This is important form both for your general understanding of your Medicare benefits and your personal records. While it is not a bill and requires no action on your part, you should review it to e...
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Section 3

  • Section 3 of the EOB lists your out-of-pocket costs and total drug costs. It is one of the simplest portions of the EOB to understand. The section features a two-column chart. The first column details out-of-pocket costs and the second column details total costs. Out of pocket costs include: 1. your payment for filling or refilling a Part D prescription drug 2. any payments made o…
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Section 4

  • Section four exists to assist you and your doctor in making the necessary adjustments to your drug purchasing routine. Possible formulary changes include: 1. the addition of new drugs 2. the removal of existing drugs 3. the addition or removal of coverage restrictions for drugs 4. moving a drug from one cost-sharing tier to a new cost-sharing tier 5. brand name drugs being replaced b…
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Section 5

  • Section five is very straightforward and will usually be the shortest section on the whole document. It explains what you should do if you find a mistake on your Explanation of Benefits form. For example, if your monthly summary lists drugs you’ve not taken or any other incorrect information, you should first call the Member Services phone number for your particular prescrip…
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Section 6

  • Section six of your EOB document will usually be a bit longer than section five. It explains your rights under the Medicare Part D prescription drug program. It also features something called the Evidence of Coverage, which is the rulebook for your particular Part D plan. The Evidence of Coverage lists various rules that you must follow in order to obtain your prescription drugs unde…
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How Do I Get An Explanation of Benefits?

  • You should receive an Explanation of Benefits for every month. It’ll include every service or product billed to your insurance plan.
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What Does Medicare Advantage and Medigap Explanation of Benefits include?

  • A Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement’s Explanation of Benefits is similar to a standard Explanation of Benefits. Still, it includes additional information specifically for those with Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plans. This document will include: 1. A list of the health care services and products that were received by the policyholder 2. The dates of service …
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FAQs

  • What is an Explanation of Benefits?
    The Explanation of Benefits outlines the health care services and products received by the policyholder and the insurance company’s payment to the provider.
  • How can I use an Explanation of Benefits to my advantage?
    You can use an Explanation of Benefits to your advantage by reviewing it for accuracy keeping track of your deductible and out-of-pocket expenses.
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