Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the release of an electronic version of the guide “Your Medicare Rights and Protections” which underscores CMS’ commitment to helping beneficiaries get the services they need, when they need it most. This guide provides Medicare beneficiaries and their advocates with important information about their rights to file a complaint, to get the health care services they need, to have their health information kept private, and to know where they can get help with their questions.

The guaranteed rights and protections available under the original Medicare plan, Medicare Advantage health plans and the Medicare prescription drug plans are clearly outlined in this guide and include the right to:

1. Be treated with dignity and respect at all times.
2. Be protected from discrimination.
3. Get information about Medicare that you can understand to help you make health care decisions.
4. Have your answers about the Medicare Program answered.
5. Get culturally competent services.
6. Get emergency care when and where you need it.
7. Learn about all of your treatment choices in clear language that you can understand.
8. File a complaint.
9. Appeal a decision relating to your claims for benefits.
10. Have your health information that Medicare collects about you kept private.
11. Know your health information privacy rights.

In addition, answers are always available by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or TTY1-877-486-2048.