All Medicare patients receive “An Important Message from Medicare” at or about the time they are admitted to the hospital. The “Message” explains your rights and how to request a review if you feel your rights have been denied. Medicare HMO members will also receive this "Message" from their HMO.
As a Medicare beneficiary you have the right:
- to receive all the hospital care that is necessary in the treatment of your illness or injury;
- to have your discharge date determined by your medical need, not by DRGs, Medicare payment, or HMO payment;
- to be informed about decisions that affect your Medicare coverage and payments;
- to request a review of any written notice that says Medicare will no longer pay for hospital care.
Beneficiary Rights and Protections