CMS Redesigns the MSN

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently redesigned the Medicare Summary Notice (MSN). The new MSN, now available online at MyMedicare.gov, will be mailed quarterly to beneficiaries starting in 2013. CMS Acting Administrator Marilyn Tavenner said the redesign is part of a new initiative, “Your Medicare information: clearer, simpler, at your fingertips.”
Tavenner also said the statement is easier to understand and navigate, and it makes clear what information to check and how to report potential fraud. The new MSN reads, “If we determine that your tip led to uncovering fraud, you may qualify for a reward.” And, unlike the old statement, the new MSN provides a phone number that beneficiaries can call to report suspected fraud. The new MSN also includes an additional page explaining in more detail how beneficiaries can handle denied claims, or file an appeal.
CMS has created a side-by-side comparison of the former and redesigned MSNs. The new MSN is more direct, telling recipients “Your Deductible Status,” “Your Claims and Costs this Period” and “Providers with Claims this Period,” as opposed to “Assigned Claims” and “Customer Services Information.”