Medicare Bill Of Rights

Medicare Bill of Rights

Your Medicare Bill of Rights is your essential guide to understanding and protecting your healthcare coverage under Medicare. It outlines fundamental rights that every Medicare beneficiary has, including:

1. Access to Emergency Care

- Right to receive emergency care at any hospital

- No prior authorization needed for emergencies

2. Information Rights

- Clear explanations of benefits and costs

- Access to your medical records

- Information in language you can understand

3. Treatment Rights

- Being treated with dignity and respect

- Making your own healthcare decisions

- Choosing your healthcare providers

- Participating in treatment decisions

4. Appeal Rights

- Right to appeal denied claims

- Challenging coverage decisions

- Getting expedited decisions when needed

- Multiple levels of appeal available

5. Coverage Protection

- Getting medically necessary services

- Protection against improper discharge

- Coverage for emergency situations

- Access to prescription medications

6. Privacy Rights

- Protection of personal health information

- Confidential handling of records

- Secure provider communications

Remember: Medicare is not a privilege – it's your right. Understanding these rights helps ensure you receive the care you deserve and know how to fight back when coverage is unfairly denied.

Need help? Free assistance is available through your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​