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:
| April 21, 2026 Craig L. Secosan, M.D., (555) 555-1234 Looking Glass Eye Center PA, 1888 Medical Park Dr., Suite C, Brevard, NC 28712 |
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| Service Provided & Billing Code |
Service Approved? |
Amount Provider Charged |
Medicare- Approved Amount |
Amount Medicare Paid |
Maximum You May Be Billed |
See Notes Below |
| Destruction of skin growth (17000) |
NO | $68.56 | 0.00 | 0.00 | $68.56 | A |
Notes for Claims Above
|
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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HAVE QUESTIONS OR WANT NO-COST NO-OBLIGATION PERSONALIZED HELP? CONTACT MEDICARE.GOV, YOUR AGENT, OR ASR INSURANCE SOLUTIONS at 1-866-448-0160 TTY 711 M-F or SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION ONLINE WITH AN ASR LICENSED AGENT.