What is an Explanation of Benefits (EOB)?

An explanation of benefits (EOB) is a statement from your dental insurance company that details how much it covered of the dental services you received. It will also specify your share of the costs.

Examples:

• After a dental visit, you receive an EOB showing the total cost of service, what the insurance company covers and what you owe to your dentist.
• If the EOB shows that you are responsible for part of the cost, your dentist will send you a bill.
• The amount you owe, as specified on the EOB, should be the same as the bill you receive from your dentist. If not, call your dentist or insurance company to find out what’s going on.

FAQs

• Is an EOB a bill? No, an EOB is not a bill but an explanation of how your claim was processed.
• Is an EOB the same as a pre-determination of benefits? No. A pre-determination of benefits is an estimate from your insurance company of how much a recommended dental procedure is going to cost, how much the insurance will cover and what you are expected to pay.
• What do I do if I think my EOB shows an inaccurate processing of my dental claim? Contact your dental insurance customer service department and find out what’s going on.

Insider tip: Inaccurate claim information, such as input errors or missing Social Security Numbers, is one of the main reasons why a dental claim might be denied. Find out more and what you can do.

Video: Your Explanation of Benefits, Explained

This short video explains what an EOB is and how to read it. 

Every time you receive an EOB, check it carefully and compare it to your records and any dentist bills. The amount you might owe should be the same on both the EOB and the bill from your dental provider.

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Are you interested in our dental coverage plans so you don’t have to pay the full dentist bill yourself? Check out our insurance options for individuals and families, and small, mid-size and large groups.

And while you’re browsing, take a look at our vision insurance, too.

More Dental Insurance Terms Explained

1. What is a premium?
2. What is a waiting period?
3. What is a network dentist?
4. What is a benefit period?
5. What are preventive/diagnostic, basic and major dental procedures?
6. What is a deductible?
7. What is a copay?
8. What is co-insurance?
9. What is an annual maximum?
10. What is a claim?
11. What is an explanation of benefits (EOB)?
12. What is a pre-determination of benefits?
13. What are out-of-pocket expenses?

Back to Dental Insurance Terms Explained: A Quick Guide

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