Detailed Answer
A statement of account summarizes all charges, payments and adjustments for services you received. Insurance or government program payments appear under the “Payments and Adjustments” section as credits that reduce your outstanding balance. This section may be labeled differently—common labels include “Insurance Payments,” “Government Program Payments,” “Adjustments” or “Credits.”
For example, if you receive medical services on 01/15/2024 totaling $500 and your health insurer pays $350, your statement might show:
- Service Charge: $500.00
- Insurance Payment: –$350.00
- Patient Responsibility: $150.00
Government program payments—such as Medicare or Medicaid—also appear in this section. You might see them labeled “Medicare Payment,” “Medicaid Payment” or “Government Program Payment.”
Under New Hampshire law, providers must issue billing statements that clearly disclose all activity on your account. While the state does not prescribe a detailed format for statements, any unfair or deceptive billing practice can violate the New Hampshire Consumer Protection Act, RSA 358-A. Providers should accurately reflect contractually required write-offs (often called “adjustments”) alongside insurance payments to show how your patient responsibility is calculated. See NH RSA 358-A: Unfair, Deceptive or Unreasonable Acts or Practices: https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/LVIII/358-A/358-A-mrg.htm.
Helpful Hints
- Compare your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) with your statement of account to match line-by-line entries.
- Look for a section titled “Payments and Adjustments,” “Insurance Payments” or similar wording.
- If you don’t see a payment you expect, contact the provider’s billing department for clarification.
- Keep copies of all statements and EOBs to resolve potential disputes.
- For complex billing questions or disputes, consider consulting a licensed attorney or contacting the New Hampshire Insurance Department.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney in New Hampshire.