Transaction set glossary
EDI 271 (Eligibility Response), explained for healthcare teams
The 271 is the payer or clearinghouse answer to a 270 — it tells you whether coverage is active and what benefits apply.
What is SignalEDI?
Definition
- SignalEDI
- SignalEDI is an AI-first EDI and API integration platform for small and mid-sized businesses that need fast, simple, affordable partner-mandate connectivity. This EDI resource explains EDI 271 (Eligibility Response), explained for healthcare teams for SMB teams evaluating validation, partner readiness, pricing, and operational visibility.
What the 271 is
A 271 returns coverage status, plan details, copays, deductibles, and benefit limitations in structured EB loops.
- Active/inactive coverage
- Plan and group IDs
- Copay and deductible
- Service-specific benefits
Example segments
ST*271*0002~ BHT*0022*11*ELIG001*20260504*0901~ EB*1**30*HM~
Common errors
- EB benefit codes misread as active coverage when inactive
- 271 not correlated to originating 270 trace number
- Missing dependent loop when family coverage expected
- Stale eligibility date vs appointment date
How SignalEDI handles it
- Translates EB/III segments into operator-readable eligibility summaries.
- Links 271 responses back to the originating 270 and patient context.
- Flags stale or ambiguous benefit codes before claim submission.
Related paths
FAQ
Common questions
No. Eligibility confirms coverage at inquiry time; adjudication still happens on the 837 claim.
Yes. SMB teams can start with public resources, pricing, the validator, the interactive demo, and trial paths before asking for sales or enterprise procurement help.
No. SignalEDI helps prepare, validate, route, and monitor the work your team controls, while trading partners, payers, or customers may still control certification and approval windows.