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Glossary

This glossary explains terms in the Medicare program, but it is not a legal document. The official Medicare program provisions are found in the relevant laws, regulations, and rulings.

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Term	Definition
ELECTION	Your decision to join or leave the Original Medicare Plan or a Medicare+Choice plan.
ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE (EDI)	Refers to the exchange of routine business transactions from one computer to another in a standard format, using standard communications protocols.
ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER (EFT)	A term used to describe the electronic transfer of monies from one financial institution to another.
END-STAGE RENAL DISEASE (ESRD)	Permanent kidney failure that requires a regular course of dialysis or a kidney transplant.
ENROLLMENT AND PAYMENT SYSTEM (EPS)	A term used to cover all of the partner company activities involved in developing the Retiree Drug Subsidy Program (RDS) and administering its various aspects such as enrollment, payments, appeals, etc. ERISA - Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA)
EXCESS CHARGES	If you are in the Original Medicare Plan, this is the difference between a doctor?s or other health care provider?s actual charge (which may be limited by Medicare or the state) and the Medicare-approved payment amount.
EXPEDITED ORGANIZATION DETERMINATION	A fast decision from the Medicare+Choice organization about whether it will provide a health service. A beneficiary may receive a fast decision within 72 hours when life, health or ability to regain function may be jeopardized.

This glossary explains terms in the Medicare program, but it is not a legal document. The official Medicare program provisions are found in the relevant laws, regulations,and rulings.

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