Medicare Explained, 2014 Edition

Medicare Explained has been prepared for Medicare beneficiaries and others who need a relatively thorough explanation of the Medicare program with particular emphasis on services covered in institutional settings and services provided by physicians and suppliers.

Published annually, Medicare Explained includes changes made during 2013 by law and regulation amendments and updates to program manuals issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Medicare Explained includes:

• Analysis of legislative, regulatory and agency guidance issuance on available benefits
• Exclusions from Medicare
• The administration of the Medicare program
• Medicare payment rules under Parts A, B, C, and D
• Details on the process for submitting beneficiary claims as well as the appeals process

The 2014 Edition has been updated to include:

• Updated discussions of health care reform impact on reimbursement systems for 2014
• Expanded discussion of quality of care initiatives
• Updated discussion of inpatient hospital reimbursement and outpatient services