The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced the release of an electronic version of “Your Medicare Rights and Protections,” which clearly outlines the key safeguards governing the original Medicare plan, Medicare Health plans and the Medicare Drug plans.
This booklet has information that beneficiaries and advocates need to know in order to file a complaint or an appeal or identify where to go to get help with questions. The publication outlines the basic Medicare rights, including to:
- Be treated with dignity and respect at all times
- Be protected from discrimination
- Get information about Medicare that you can understand to help you make health care decisions
- Have your answers about the Medicare Program answered
- Get culturally competent services
- Get emergency care when and where you need it
- Learn about all of your treatment choices in clear language that you can understand
- Ability to file a complaint
- Ability to appeal a decision relating to your claims for benefits
- Have your health information that Medicare collects about you kept private
- Know your health information privacy rights.
Download the PDF version of "
Your Medicare Rights and Protections" (Requires
Adobe Acrobat Reader). Medicare beneficiaries can also get answers to their questions 24 hours a day at (800) MEDICARE (633-4227) or at TTY1-877-486-2048.
Some links require Adobe Acrobat Reader. Download it for free.
