Get a confusing bill, insurance or legal letter explained in plain English

Take a photo of a letter you don't understand, remove personal details, and get what it says, what it wants and what to ask.

The problem

Insurance explanations of benefits, medical bills, tax notices, HOA letters and legal paperwork are written in language most people can't follow. People either ignore them and miss a deadline, or pay something they shouldn't because they aren't sure what to ask.

Step by step

1. 1Before you upload anything, protect your information: cover or black out your Social Security number, account and member numbers, date of birth and address. You can cover them with a sticky note before taking the photo, or use your phone's photo editor markup tool to draw over them.
2. 2Take a clear photo of each page (or copy and paste the text if it came by email).
3. 3Open ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini, tap the + (attach) button, add the photos and paste the prompt below.
4. 4Read the explanation, especially the deadline and the "questions to ask" part.
5. 5Call the company, office or agency using the phone number printed on the letter (not one from a search result) and ask the questions. For anything legal, tax or medical with real money or a deadline at stake, talk to a professional; AI is a starting point, not advice.

Copy-paste prompt

Explain the attached letter in plain English, like you are talking to a friend. I have covered my personal details. Tell me: (1) who sent it and what it is about, in two sentences; (2) whether it asks me to do or pay anything, how much, and by what date; (3) any terms I might not know, explained simply; (4) what happens if I do nothing; (5) 3–5 questions I should ask when I call them. If something is unclear or could mean more than one thing, say so instead of guessing. Remind me if this is something I should check with a professional.

Tips and watch-outs

• Always black out Social Security numbers, account and member numbers, date of birth and address before uploading.
• Free AI tools are not lawyers, doctors or tax preparers. Use the explanation to understand the letter and ask better questions, then confirm with the sender or a professional.
• Scam check: if a letter or text asks for gift cards, wire transfers or payment to a new number, call the company using a number from their official website or your card or statement.

Review AI output before using it. Don’t paste confidential, customer or patient data into tools your company hasn’t approved.