How to Read Your Medicare Summary Notice
Your Medicare Summary Notice shows the services billed to Medicare. Learn how to read it, what to check for, and what to do if something looks wrong.
The short version
- The Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) is not a bill.
- Check that you received every service listed and that dates and providers are correct.
- Contact your provider first about errors, and report suspected fraud to 1-800-MEDICARE.
In this guide
If you have Original Medicare, you receive a Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) that lists the services and supplies providers billed to Medicare on your behalf. Reviewing it regularly is one of the best ways to spot billing mistakes and protect yourself from fraud.
The basics
- It is not a bill. Do not send money based on your MSN. Your provider will send you a separate bill if you owe anything.
- It comes every four months if you had services during that period. You can also choose to receive electronic MSNs (eMSNs) through your secure Medicare account.
- You can see claims sooner online. Your Medicare account at Medicare.gov often shows claims shortly after they are processed.
If you have a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, you will receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your plan instead, which serves a similar purpose.
What is on your MSN
Your MSN generally includes:
- Your name and Medicare number (keep it private)
- A summary of your deductible status
- A list of claims, showing the provider, date of service and services provided
- Whether Medicare approved each service
- The amount the provider charged, the Medicare-approved amount, what Medicare paid and the maximum you may be billed
- Notes explaining denials or other information
- Instructions for filing an appeal
What to check
Compare your MSN with your own records, such as a calendar or a log of appointments:
- Did you receive each service listed?
- Are the dates correct?
- Do you recognize the providers?
- Were you billed for the same service twice?
- Does the "maximum you may be billed" match what your provider is billing you?
- Were any services denied? Read the notes to understand why.
Keeping a simple health care journal with dates, providers and services makes this review much easier.
If something looks wrong
Start with your provider. Many errors are simple mistakes, such as an incorrect code or date. Call the billing office and ask them to explain or correct the charge.
If you suspect fraud, such as being billed for services or equipment you never received, report it:
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
- Contact your Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), which helps people with Medicare prevent, detect and report fraud, errors and abuse.
Appealing a denial
If Medicare denies a service you believe should be covered, you have the right to appeal. Your MSN explains how to file and the deadline, which is generally 120 days from the date you receive the MSN. Ask your doctor for supporting information, and consider getting help from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program.
Store your MSNs
Keep your MSNs for at least a year, or longer if you have an open appeal or billing issue. When you dispose of them, shred them, since they contain personal information.
Protect your Medicare number
Treat your Medicare number like a credit card number. Share it only with your doctors, pharmacists, insurers and others you trust who provide your care. Medicare will not call you to ask for your number unless you have called first.
Terrameritavi is an independent publication and is not affiliated with Medicare or any government agency.
