When a provider bills you for the difference between the provider’s charge and the allowed amount. For example, if the provider’s charge is $100 and the allowed amount is $70, the provider may bill you for the remaining $30. This only applies to out-of-network providers when your health insurance plan includes out-of-network benefits (which most of them do not). A preferred provider, one that is participating in your insurance company’s provider network, may not balance bill you for covered services.