Chapter 8 · Money you may already be owed
Insurance, Billing, and Benefits You Didn't Know Existed
An explanation of benefits is not a bill. Prior authorization is not a denial. And a surprising number of families never learn about respite coverage, waiver programs, or veteran benefits they qualify for today.
Fill in what you know, skip what you don't
There are no wrong answers. Come back and edit this chapter anytime — especially after a doctor visit or when the routine changes.
What to do
- 1Never pay from an EOB — wait for the provider's actual bill.
- 2If a claim is denied, ask for the reason code and appeal it.
- 3Call your local Area Agency on Aging; they know local programs.
- 4Ask specifically about respite care — most families never do.
Benefits worth checking
Work through these one call at a time.