108 Medicare Terms Defined

Medicare Glossary

Plain-English definitions for every Medicare term — from ABN to ZIP enrollment. No jargon, no confusion.

Showing 5 results for "Beneficiary"clear search

A

ABN (Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage)

Medicare Basics

A written notice that a doctor or supplier gives you before providing a service that Medicare may not pay for. If you sign the ABN, you agree to pay for the service yourself if Medicare denies the claim. You have the right to refuse the service.

Also known as: ABN, Advance Beneficiary Notice

B

Beneficiary

Medicare Basics

A person who is enrolled in and covered by Medicare. This includes people aged 65 and older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease or ALS.

Also known as: Medicare recipient, enrollee

M

Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI)

Medicare Basics

The unique number printed on your red, white, and blue Medicare card, used to identify you for Medicare claims and services. It replaced Social Security numbers on Medicare cards to help protect against identity theft.

Also known as: MBI, Medicare Number

Q

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)

Costs & Coverage

A Medicare Savings Program for people with the lowest incomes. If you qualify as a QMB, your state pays your Part A and Part B premiums, and providers who accept Medicare cannot charge you copays, coinsurance, or deductibles.

Also known as: QMB

S

Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)

Costs & Coverage

A Medicare Savings Program that helps pay Part B premiums for people with income modestly above the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) limit.

Also known as: SLMB

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