How to Read Your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) - Part A
Below is a sample Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) for Part A services and information on how to read it. The MSN is not a bill. Do not send money to Medicare or to the provider until you get a bill.
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Date: Date MSN was sent.
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Customer Service Information: Who to contact with questions about the MSN. Provide your Medicare number (3), the date of the MSN (1), and the date of the service you have a question about (7).
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Medicare Number: The number on your Medicare card.
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Name and Address: If incorrect, contact the company listed in (2), and the Social Security Administration immediately.
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Be Informed: Messages about ways to protect yourself and Medicare from fraud and abuse.
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Part A Hospital Insurance - Inpatient Claims: Type of service. See the back of MSN for additional information. (Please Note: For outpatient services, this section is called "Part B Medical Insurance - Outpatient Facility Claims.")
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Dates of Service: Dates service was provided. You may use these dates to compare with the dates shown on your hospital bill.
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Claim Number: Number that identifies this specific claim.
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Benefit Days Used: Shows the number of days used in the benefit period. See the back of your MSN for an explanation of benefit periods. (Please Note: For outpatient services, this column is called "Amount Charged."
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Non-Covered Charges: Shows the charges for services denied or excluded by the Medicare program for which you may be billed.
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Deductible and Coinsurance: The amount applied to your deductible and coinsurance.
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You May Be Billed: The total amount the provider may bill you, including deductibles, coinsurance, and non-covered charges. Medicare supplement (Medigap) policies may pay all or part of this amount.
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See Notes Section: If letter appears, refer to (15) for explanation.
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Provider's Name and Address: Facility's name and billing address. The referring doctor's name will also be shown. The address shown is the billing address, which may be different from where you receive the service(s).
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Notes Section: Explains letters in (13) for more detailed information about your claim.
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Deductible Information: How much of your deductible you have met for the benefit period.
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General Information: Important Medicare news and information.
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Appeals Information: How and when to request an appeal.
Note:
Medicare & You
provides more information about coverage and other services. For
a free copy, call the Medicare contractor listed in the Customer Service box on
your MSN.
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