Medicare.gov

"Medicare Summary Notice" (MSN)

What is it?

It's not a bill. It’s a notice that people with Original Medicare get in the mail every 3 months for their Medicare Part A and Part B-covered services.

The MSN shows:

  • All your services or supplies that providers and suppliers billed to Medicare during the 3-month period
  • What Medicare paid
  • The maximum amount you may owe the provider

When should I get it?

You’ll get your MSN every 3 months if you get any services or medical supplies during that 3-month period.  If you don’t get any services or medical supplies during that 3-month period you won’t get an MSN for that particular 3-month period.

Note

Did you know you can get your MSNs electronically (eMSNs)? If you choose eMSNs, you’ll get an email with a link to your MSN for that month. You won't have to wait 3 months for a paper copy in the mail. Find out how to get eMSNs. If you need it, you can also get your MSN in an accessible format like large print or Braille.

If I need to change my address:

Contact Social Security.

If you get RRB benefits, contact the RRB.

Who sends it?

Medicare 

If you're not sure if your MSN is from Medicare, look for these things on the MSN envelope. [PDF, 380 KB]

What should I do if I get this notice?

  • If you have other insurance, check to see if it covers anything that Medicare didn’t.
  • Keep your receipts and bills, and compare them to your MSN to be sure you got all the services, supplies, or equipment listed.
  • If you paid a bill before you got your notice, compare your MSN with the bill to make sure you paid the right amount for your services.
  • If an item or service is denied, call your doctor’s or other health care provider's office to make sure they submitted the correct information. If not, the office may resubmit. If you disagree with any decision made, you can file an appeal. The last page of the MSN gives you step-by-step directions on when and how to file an appeal.

Download a sample

Part A Medicare Summary Notice [PDF, 0 KB]

Part B Medicare Summary Notice [PDF, 0 KB]

DME Medicare Summary Notice [PDF, 0 KB]

Sample Medicare Summary Notices in other languages

Publication, product, or other number

Not available at this time

Unofficial name

Not available at this time