Surprise bills and billing errors: where to start
Not every bad bill is an insurance denial. Some are billing errors or surprise bills from out-of-network providers.
- Compare the provider's bill with your plan's explanation of benefits (EOB). Ask the provider for an itemized bill and whether a corrected claim can be sent.
- For surprise medical bills, the federal No Surprises Help Desk at 1-800-985-3059 can answer questions, help submit complaints, and refer you to a state consumer assistance program when available.
- If the insurer processed the claim wrongly, use the billing and processing appeal letter.
Sources
- CMS: Call the No Surprises Help Desk, last verified 2026-10-17
- CMS: Consumer Assistance Program directory, last verified 2026-10-17
Page last reviewed October 17, 2026. Rules change; confirm with your notice, plan documents or the agency pages above.