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What are the basic rights and responsibilities of people with Medicare?


 | 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

      

          

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