What is a Medicare summary notice (MSN)?
If you’re enrolled in Original Medicare, you will receive a Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) if you receive a Medicare-covered service.
The MSNs will be mailed to you every four months and will detail the services and supplies you received, how much Medicare will pay, and how much you need to pay the provider (if you have supplemental insurance, such as Medigap, Medicaid, or an employer’s plan, the secondary coverage will pay some or all of the portion you would otherwise have to pay).
The MSN is not a bill. You’ll receive bills directly from your medical provider (doctor, hospital, etc.) after they’ve processed the payment they receive from Medicare and any supplemental coverage you have.
What can I do if I see an error on my Medicare summary notice?
If you don’t believe your MSN is correct, or if payment is being denied, you should call your provider/physician first to be sure they submitted the right information.
If you decide to appeal, you need to do it within 120 days of the day you receive the MSN. Appeal information will be listed on the MSN. You can also read Your Medicare Rights and Protections online or call 1-800-MEDICARE to have a copy mailed to you.
If your MSN shows services that you didn’t receive and you believe there might be fraud involved, you should report it to Medicare.
Did Medicare change how often they send Medicare summary notices?
Yes. Medicare used to send MSNs every three months, but switched to every four months in late 2024.
Will I get a Medicare summary notice if I have Medicare Advantage?
No. If you have coverage under a Medicare Advantage plan, you will not receive an MSN from Medicare. Instead, you’ll receive an explanation of benefits from your Medicare Advantage plan.
Footnotes
