People With Medicare

Medicare Rights

What are my Medicare rights?

No matter what type of Medicare coverage you have, you have certain rights and responsibilities.

You have a right to:
  • Be treated fairly and not experience discrimination
  • Have access to doctors and hospitals
  • Get emergency and urgently needed care when you need it
  • Know what Medicare will and will not cover
  • Appeal certain decisions about your coverage or payment
  • File complaints about your care
  • Have your personal information kept private
You are responsible for:
  • Knowing when you must sign up or change plans
  • Reading all letters from Medicare
  • Asking questions, if you don't understand
  • Protecting your Medicare card and number
  • Asking your doctors and other health care providers if they take Medicare before you accept services
  • Calling Medicare if you feel a doctor, insurance agent, or plan has misled you

Medicare Appeals

If you disagree with an action Medicare or a Medicare Advantage or drug plan has taken, you can file an appeal.

If you need help filing a complaint or appeal, you can get personal help

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Information on this web site was compiled from approved materials of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.