Medicare statements provide information on payments made on a beneficiary’s behalf for Medicare covered services. There are two primary types of statements received by Medicare beneficiaries: Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) for those enrolled in Original Medicare and Explanations of Benefits (EOBs) for those enrolled in Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans.

MSNs and EOBs explain what the health care provider billed for, the amount approved by Medicare for payment, how much Medicare paid, and what the beneficiary may owe the provider.

To read your MSN or EOB, check your personal information, review the list of medical services received, verify the providers, and carefully examine the costs to see what Medicare paid and what amount you might owe for each service.

The MSN and EOB claims are key tools that the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program uses for catching fraud, errors, and abuse. Reviewing and understanding your MSN or EOB is crucial for both Medicare beneficiaries and for SMPs.

Detect potential fraud, errors or abuse

Review yours or your loved ones’ Medicare statements as soon as they arrive to ensure the services listed were actually received.

Keep a record of medical visits, tests, receipts for services, and durable medical equipment received.

Compare your statements to your receipts and records. If you notice any mistakes, or have questions, call your provider or plan with your questions. If you still have questions or need further help, contact ND SMP.

Medicare’s Medicare.gov website allows beneficiaries in Original Medicare to log into (or create) a secure Medicare account to view their most recent MSNs, track claims made on their behalf, and check payment status. Creating a free, secure account with Medicare allows you to review all bills processed within the past 36 months.

ND Senior Medicare Patrol helps protect, detect, and report Medicare fraud. If you suspect you, or someone you know, has been a victim of Medicare fraud, contact the ND SMP at ndsmp@MinotStateU.edu or call 1-833-818-0029.

Source of information: SMP Resource Center