Use this checklist before making a decision

Review bills and insurance decisions, request itemization, locate charity care, protect appeal deadlines, and respond to collection problems. A checklist cannot decide an individual case, but it can prevent missed questions, missing records, and avoidable deadlines.

Decision checklist

  • Compare the bill, itemized statement, explanation of benefits, plan documents, and prior authorization.
  • Confirm patient name, dates, provider, services, codes, payments, adjustments, and balance.
  • Ask the insurer and provider to explain the denial or balance in writing.
  • Request the hospital financial-assistance policy and application.
  • Calendar every appeal, grievance, dispute, and collection deadline.
  • Keep copies and send important submissions through a trackable method.

Information to write down

  • The exact program, provider, company, service, product, or legal document involved.
  • The person’s state, county, ZIP code, coverage, deadlines, accessibility needs, and preferred contact method.
  • Names, dates, confirmation numbers, written notices, estimates, contracts, and appeal instructions.
  • The original source used to verify each important claim.

Questions to ask

  • Which rule or program applies to this exact situation?
  • What is the deadline, and what proves that the request was received?
  • What costs are excluded from the quoted amount?
  • What changes by state, plan, provider, or household?
  • Is there an appeal, grievance, correction, or second-review process?
  • Where is the answer published by the responsible agency?

Official sources

Related information

Within this subject: Updates and Official Changes, Official Help and Trusted Starting Points, Common Mistakes and Warning Signs, State-by-State Differences.

Also review: Medicare, Medicaid, and Affordable Health Coverage, Local Senior Services, Advocates, and Benefits Counselors, Social Security, SSI, SSDI, Pensions, and Income Benefits.

Last reviewed

This checklist was reviewed on 2026-07-30. Verify current rules before acting.