Medicare Summary Notices

By Kendra Knouff
eMedicareSupplements Senior Writer

What is a Medicare Summary Notice?

A Medicare Summary Notice, or MSN, is an explanation of Medicare benefits that is sent to beneficiaries every three months. MSNs show the cost of any services or products that have been rendered and the portion of that cost that will be covered by Medicare. Any difference remaining on the MSN is to be paid by the beneficiary receiving services or products. MSNs should be read carefully as they can be used to inform beneficiaries of important information. MSNs can be used to discover if a private insurance belonging to the beneficiary has covered any costs that were not covered by Medicare. They can also be used to ensure that the beneficiary did indeed receive all services and products for which they are being charged. These Explanation of Benefit forms will also identify any claims that have been denied, in which case the beneficiary can contact his or her doctor for more information about the claim submitted. (If any mistakes are found, a claim can always be resubmitted.) If the beneficiary has already paid on the claims submitted, the MSN will help ensure that the correct amount was paid.

It is important to note that the MSN is not a bill. A bill for any remaining costs will be sent directly to the beneficiary from the provider or supplier once they have received payment from Medicare.

Change of Address

In the event that you may need to change the mailing address on your MSNs, simply call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or TTY 1-800-325-0778. If receiving RRB benefits, RRB can be reached at 1-877-772-5772.

Checking Your MSN Online

Why wait for your MSN to come in the mail? Within 24 hours of processing, you can check MSNs online at www.medicare.gov to view claims and coverage. Don’t wait; check yours today!