'Medicare Summary Notice' (MSN)
What is it?
It's not a bill. It’s a notice that people with Original Medicare get in the mail every 3 months for their Medicare Part A and Part B-covered services.
The MSN shows:
- All your services or supplies that providers and suppliers billed to Medicare during the 3-month period
- What Medicare paid
- The maximum amount you may owe the provider
When should I get it?
You’ll get your MSN every 3 months if you get any services or medical supplies during that 3-month period. If you don’t get any services or medical supplies during that 3-month period you won’t get an MSN for that particular 3-month period.
Note: Did you know you can get your MSNs electronically (eMSNs)? If you
choose eMSNs, you’ll get a monthly email instead of having to wait 3
months for a paper copy in the mail.
Find out how to get eMSNs.
If I need to change my address:
Contact Social Security.
If you get RRB benefits, contact the RRB.
Who sends it?
Medicare
If you're not sure if your MSN is from Medicare, look for these things on the MSN envelope [PDF, 380 KB].
What should I do if I get this notice?
- If you have other insurance, check to see if it covers anything that Medicare didn’t.
- Keep your receipts and bills, and compare them to your MSN to be sure you got all the services, supplies, or equipment listed.
- If you paid a bill before you got your notice, compare your MSN with the bill to make sure you paid the right amount for your services.
- If an item or service is denied, call your doctor’s or other health care provider's office to make sure they submitted the correct information. If not, the office may resubmit. If you disagree with any decision made, you can file an appeal. On the new MSN design, the last page of the MSN gives you step-by-step directions on when and how to file an appeal.”1
To read more, click on the web links below:
- https://www.medicare.gov/basics/forms-publications-mailings/mailings/costs-and-coverage/medicare-summary-notice
- https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Medicare-General-Information/MSN/index.html?redirect=/msn/02_msn%20messages.asp
1. Source: Medicare.gov
Note: Medicare Insurance information can be overwhelming and confusing to many people. As an independent licensed agent I can explain things to you in simple terms so you feel comfortable making a decision. Then I can help you choose and enroll in a plan that you feel fits your needs.
By the way, it doesn’t cost you any more if you enroll in a Medicare Insurance plan through me as an independent agent versus directly with an insurance company either over the phone or via the Internet, since I get paid by the insurance companies for your enrollment. Plus you will have personalized service by a local agent. If you would like my assistance, please call me at 941-404-5334.
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