Your Complete Guide on How to Read an Explanation of Benefits (EOB)

January 26, 2021

An Explanation of Benefits EOB, is a great way to keep track of your health care benefits and how your medical plan processed a healthcare claim. They look similar to a bill, but they function a little differently. The EOB will be in the form of a letter that includes a chart showing how your claim was processed. 

Here are some key elements of an EOB, so you can better understand what it is showing you: 

• Name of patient: Make sure your name or the name of another person who is on the plan is displayed on the EOB.

• Insured ID number: This should match the number on your ID card. 

• Claim number: The number by which you and your medical plan will be able to refer to a claim should you have questions or concerns. 

• Provider: The name of the healthcare provider who rendered this service. This could be the name of a specific doctor, or of a hospital or other location. 

• Date of service: The start and end date of the service.

• Type of service: A description of the service.

• Healthcare provider charge: The amount billed to your medical plan by the provider. 

• Cost covered by your medical plan: The total your health plan paid for your services. 

• What you owe: Any balance the provider billed that was not covered by your medical plan.

Use the ABS Member Portal

You can find your EOBs, deductibles, ID cards and more in the ABS Member Portal. 

Don’t have an account yet? Creating one is easy, all you have to do is click here to use and register with the member portal.

You can also access the member portal with Android or iOS apps. You can only access and download the app on a mobile device, not a desktop computer.

App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Google Play is a trademark of Google Inc.

If you are already registered with the ABS Member Portal, you’re ready to use the app. Log into the app with your current member portal username and password.

To set up your account on the app:

• Tap Create Account on the login page.

• Check the Accept box and tap Next.

• Fill in all fields on the registration page, and tap Next.

• Start using the app.

You can always save on cost by choosing a provider that is in-network. You can find Ascension Network providers here. EOBs are important because they can help you understand your benefits.

Always check your EOB and make sure the information displayed is accurate. If the information is not accurate, then you should call the customer service number located on the back of your ID card. 

Do you still have questions? Here is a PDF with more information on how to read an EOB.