Reading your Medicare statements is an important way to confirm that Medicare is covering your care. It’s also a good way to spot any suspicious or fraudulent activity with your Medicare coverage.

• If you have Original Medicare, you will get Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs).
• If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D plan, you will get Explanation of Benefits (EOBs).

When reading your statements, keep the following in mind:

• An MSN or EOB is a summary of the services and items you have received, how much Medicare or your plan paid for them, and how much you may be responsible for.
• MSNs and EOB are not bills. If you owe money for care you’ve received, your health care provider should reach out to you with a bill.
• MSNs are mailed every 6 months. You can also view them through your online Medicare account at www.Medicare.gov.
• EOBs are mailed every month. Many plans give you the option of seeing your EOBs online.
• If you are denied coverage, you should see this on your Medicare statement. There should also be a footnote or comment explaining the reason why your care was denied.

Sample MSN:

Appealing denials:
If Medicare or your plan denies coverage for your care, like in the MSN above, you have the right to appeal. Follow the instructions on your notice to begin your appeal.

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