People with Original Medicare get a statement in the mail every 3 months for their Medicare Part A and Part B-covered services. This is called a Medicare Summary Notice (MSN). (Medicare loves acronyms!) The MSN shows all your services or supplies that providers and suppliers billed to Medicare during the 3-month period, what Medicare paid, and the maximum amount you may owe the provider.

The Centers for Medicare Services CMS recently announced a new design for the quarterly Medicare Summary Notices (MSN) you receive. As part of the Medicare initiative Your Medicare Information: Clearer, Simpler, At Your Fingertips The notices have a new look to make it easier for you to read and understand your Medicare information. Depending on what state you live in, the redesigned notices should be hitting your mailboxes beginning this summer. According to CMS, the notices have clearer language, larger type, and a format that is easier to follow.

Here’s what Medicare lists as some of the improvements you’ll see in your new MSN:

• Larger text size and wider spacing to make reading easier
• Plain, concise language you can understand quickly
• A snapshot of
  • how much of your Part A or Part B deductible you’ve paid so far this year
  • the providers you saw during the reporting period
  • whether Medicare approved all your claims
• Brief descriptions of your medical procedures
• Easy-to-understand definitions for terms you might not know
• A checklist to help you make sure you’re getting the most from your Medicare
• Information on how to report fraud, preventive medical services, and important Medicare reminders
• Easy instructions for how to file an appeal

These revised statements should be helpful to folks who have an N plan or a G plan Medicare Supplement in determining exactly how much of their deductible has been met. Remember, if you have an F plan- it pays all co-payments and deductibles so you don’t have to worry about it!

Remember, if you are an A+ Longevity member, we are here to serve you! If you have questions about your new MSN and want to sit down and review it together, just give us a call and we’ll set up a visit.

You can find more information at http://www.medicare.gov/forms-help-and-resources/mail-about-medicare/medicare-summary-notice-msn.html

Hope you find this information helpful.