What you'll learn
- The Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) lists the Part A and Part B services and supplies billed to Medicare in your name.
- It's not a bill. It shows what Medicare paid and the most a provider may bill you.
- With a Medicare.gov account you can switch to electronic MSNs and get an email when a claim is processed.
- Report charges you don't recognize to 1-800-MEDICARE. They could be a sign of fraud.
If you have Original Medicare, a Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) shows up in your mailbox at least twice a year whenever you've had services. A lot of people glance at it and toss it in a drawer. That's a missed opportunity, because it's the clearest picture you'll get of what's being billed in your name.
What the MSN is
The MSN lists the Part A and Part B services and supplies that doctors, hospitals, labs, and equipment suppliers billed to Medicare. It shows what Medicare paid and the most you may owe each provider.
Four things to check on every MSN
1. Your deductible status. The first page shows how much of your Part A and Part B deductibles you've met so far this year. In 2026 the Part B deductible is $283.
2. Every claim listed. Each service shows the provider, the date, and a short description. Make sure you recognize all of them. If you see a specialist in San Antonio or Houston only a couple of times a year, those visits should be easy to match up.
3. Whether Medicare approved each service. If something wasn't approved, a code on the notice explains why.
4. "Maximum you may be billed." This is the most the provider may bill you for that claim. If a bill from the provider is higher, call their office before you pay.
Go paperless if mail is slow
In parts of rural Texas, mail can take a while, and storms can scramble it. If you set up a Medicare.gov account, you can choose electronic MSNs. You'll get an email with a link to your notice for any month you have a processed claim, instead of waiting for paper.
How to spot errors and fraud
Look for:
- Services you didn't receive, or visits on dates you weren't seen
- Equipment you never got, like braces, walkers, or diabetic supplies
- The same service charged twice
- Providers you've never heard of, especially from cities you haven't visited
Many billing mistakes are honest coding errors. If you know the provider, call their office first and ask. If the charge still doesn't make sense, report it to 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048. Medicare also takes fraud tips through the HHS Office of Inspector General hotline at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477).
How to appeal a denial
If Medicare denied something you believe should be covered:
- Call the provider. Ask whether the claim was billed correctly. A wrong code is a common cause of denials.
- File by the deadline on your MSN. You can fill out a Redetermination Request Form, or circle the item on a copy of your MSN, explain in writing why you disagree, and mail it to the address on the last page.
- Add supporting paperwork. A note from your doctor explaining why the service was medically necessary can help.
Medicare's contractor generally decides within 60 days of getting your appeal.
| What you want to do | Where to start |
|---|---|
| Question a charge | Call the provider's billing office |
| Report possible fraud | 1-800-MEDICARE or 1-800-HHS-TIPS |
| Appeal a denial | Instructions on the last page of your MSN |
| Get free one-on-one help | Texas HICAP, 1-800-252-9240 |
Keep your notices handy
Hold on to your MSNs along with receipts and provider bills. They help if a claim is ever disputed. If you live along the Gulf Coast, consider keeping recent notices, your Medicare card, and a medication list in your hurricane go-kit, or switch to electronic notices so you can reach them from anywhere.
Protect your Medicare number
Treat your Medicare card like a credit card. Share your number only with your doctors and others who need it. Never give it out in exchange for "free" equipment, tests, gifts, or cash offers, no matter how official the caller sounds.
Free help in Texas
The Texas Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling at 1-800-252-9240. Counselors can help you read a confusing notice or work through an appeal. To learn more about what Part B pays for, see our guide to Medicare Part B.
Common questions
Is the Medicare Summary Notice a bill?
No. It's a notice showing what providers billed to Medicare, what Medicare paid, and the most you may owe. Pay only the bills that come from your providers, and check them against your MSN first.
How long do I have to appeal a claim on my MSN?
You must file by the deadline printed on your MSN. The last page of the notice walks you through when and how to file. If you miss it, you may still be able to appeal if you can show a good reason, such as an illness that delayed you.
I have a Medicare Advantage plan. Do I get an MSN?
No. MSNs are for Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage and Part D plans send their own statements, often called an Explanation of Benefits, which serve a similar purpose.
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