Detailed Answer
A statement of account is an itemized record of all charges, payments and adjustments on your bill. In Kansas, medical providers, contractors and service vendors typically format statements to include:
- Beginning Balance: The unpaid balance carried over.
- Charges: Fees for services, supplies or procedures.
- Payments and Adjustments: All credits applied to the account.
- Ending Balance: The net amount you owe after credits.
Insurance or government program payments appear under the Payments and Adjustments section. You will often see lines labeled “Insurance Payment,” “Third-Party Payment,” or the name of a specific program (for example, “Medicare Payment” or “KanCare Payment”). These entries reduce your total charges and calculate your remaining patient responsibility.
Kansas law requires transparency in billing. Under K.S.A. 40-2404, insurers must issue an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) that details each payment, any contractual adjustment and what remains your obligation. Providers generally mirror that layout on your statement of account so you can match up the insurer’s EOB with your bill. See K.S.A. 40-2404 for EOB requirements.
When you receive government program payments—such as those from Medicare, Medicaid or KanCare—they appear by program name. The statement will list the amount billed, the amount the program paid, any write-off (contractual adjustment) and your remaining balance. If multiple payers apply, each payment shows as a separate line item.
If you cannot locate insurance or program payments on your statement of account, contact the billing office. Ask them to walk you through the “Payments and Adjustments” section and compare it with the EOB you received.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney or billing specialist for advice about your specific situation.
Helpful Hints
- Check the “Payments and Adjustments” or “Credits” section on your statement.
- Match each payment line with the corresponding entry on your EOB.
- Look for program-specific labels like “Medicare” or “KanCare.”
- Review any contractual adjustments to understand write-offs between provider charges and insurer reimbursements.
- Keep copies of all EOBs and statements for your records and future reference.