In this issue
When You're in the Hospital but Not Admitted
When it comes to hospital care, small details matter. Taking a moment to ask questions and review your forms can make a big difference.
Getting to Know Your Medicare Rights
Each month, we talk about one of your Medicare rights and what it means for you. Knowing your rights can help you feel more confident about your care.
Imagine this:
You go to the hospital and stay overnight. During that time, you have tests, see doctors, and receive care. However, you later find out you were not admitted as an inpatient. Instead, you were kept in the hospital under observation.
This situation can be confusing, as it may not feel any different from being admitted. Many people don’t realize there is a difference until later. Yet, it can affect what Medicare covers and how much you may have to pay.
Why This Matters for You
Even if you stay overnight and receive care, Medicare may still classify your stay as “observation” instead of being admitted. This is about how your stay is billed, not the type of care you receive.
How the hospital classifies your stay can affect:
- How much you pay out of pocket
- Whether Medicare will cover care in a skilled nursing facility after you leave the hospital
You May Be Given a Form About Your Hospital Stay
If the hospital changes your stay from being admitted to being kept under observation, they should give you a form called a Medicare Change of Status Notice (MCSN).
This form explains:
- How the hospital is classifying your stay
- What that means for your care
- What you may have to pay out of pocket
- Your right to ask for a review
This form is often how people first learn they can request a review.
It is important to know that not everyone will receive this form. Instead, you will only get it if your hospital status changes. If you receive this form, take a moment to read it. You can ask questions, such as “What does this mean for me?” or “How could this affect my coverage?”
This Right Applies to Original Medicare
If you have Original Medicare (not a Medicare Advantage Plan), you have the right to ask for a review if you believe you should have been admitted. This service is free and part of your Medicare rights.
To begin the review process, you can call Acentra Health, and a doctor will review your medical records to see if inpatient admission would have been the right action.
Family Members and Caregivers Can Help
When someone is in the hospital, they may not feel well enough to keep track of details.
Family members, caregivers, or friends can help by reading forms, asking questions, and keeping track of information. If you are helping someone, pay close attention to forms. Clarifying what they mean can make a big difference.
Questions That Can Help
If you or someone you care for is in the hospital, you might ask:
- “Am I admitted, or am I being kept under observation?”
- “How will this affect Medicare coverage?”
- “If this changes, will I receive a form?”
If you receive a form and aren’t sure what it means, it’s always a good idea to ask.
Understanding how your hospital stay is classified and knowing your Medicare rights can help you avoid surprises and feel more prepared.
A Fresh Start with Your Medications
Not sure what each medication is for? Taking a closer look can help you feel more in control of your care.
How to Do a Quick “Medication Check-In” This Spring
Spring is a good time for a fresh start, and that includes your medications.
Over time, it’s easy for medications to add up. You may see different doctors that range from your primary care doctor to specialists, such as a cardiologist (heart doctor) or an endocrinologist (doctor who helps manage diabetes). Alas, each one may prescribe something new.
Keeping everything organized can be a chore. It's important that all of your doctors know everything you’re taking. This includes prescription medications and over-the-counter medications. (Over-the-counter medications are available without a prescription. Examples include things like vitamins and allergy medicines.) Taking a few minutes to look over your medications can help you stay safe and feel more confident about your care.
Do You Know What Each Medication Is For?
Knowing what each medication is for, how to take it, and what side effects to watch for keeps you informed and safe. You may have known this when you first started taking a medication, but it’s easy to forget over time, especially if you take several.
When you pick up a prescription, your pharmacist can answer questions and explain how to take it safely. Most pharmacies also give you a printout with helpful information. If your medications come by mail, you may get written information with your prescription or be directed to look it up online.
Talk With Your Doctor About Your Medications
Over time, you may be able to simplify your medications.
At your next visit, you might ask:
- “Do I still need all of these medications?”
- “Is there a generic version (a lower-cost option of the same medication)?”
- “Is there anything I can do differently to reduce the number of medications I take?”
In some cases, changes in diet, physical activity, or other daily habits may help reduce the need for certain medications. Your doctor can help you decide what’s safe for you.
Keep a Medication List With You
Keeping a list of your medications with you allows you to stay prepared.
Bring it to your doctor’s appointments and keep it nearby in case you need emergency care. If you go to the emergency department or if emergency medical services (EMS) come to your home, this list helps them quickly understand what you’re taking. For example, if you’re not able to speak, they will rely on this information.
You might keep your list in your wallet, on your phone, on your refrigerator, or near your medications. Choose a place that is easy to find.
A Simple Step That Can Make a Big Difference
You don’t need to make big changes all at once. A quick medication check-in, even once a year, can help you stay organized, avoid problems, and feel more confident about your care.
If something doesn’t make sense, it’s always okay to ask.
Real Stories: How Acentra Health Can Help You
Sometimes, things don’t go as expected with your medical care. When that happens, it can help to have someone on your side. Acentra Health’s Immediate Advocacy service is here to help people with Medicare (both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage) resolve concerns quickly — at no cost.
Here’s one example.
A person with a Medicare Advantage plan called us after getting new glasses that just didn’t work. He said the eye exam felt rushed, and even after two weeks, he couldn’t read through the lenses.
When he called the eye doctor, the office refunded his money for the glasses but refused to see him again. Since the exam had already been billed, he couldn’t get another covered exam until the next year.
That’s when he called Acentra Health.
We contacted the provider’s office and explained the situation. Soon after, the office called him and scheduled a new eye exam so he could get the correct prescription.
Sometimes, it just takes a conversation to get things back on track.
We’re Here to Help
If something doesn’t seem right with your medical care, you can call Acentra Health. Our Immediate Advocacy service may be able to help resolve the issue quickly so you can get the care you need.
Taking a Moment for Your Health This April
This is a good time to pause and think about your health and the support available in your community. April includes National Public Health Week (April 6–12), which highlights the importance of keeping people and communities healthy.
Public health isn’t just about doctor visits. It’s about everyday things that help you stay well, like getting preventive care, managing health conditions, and having access to the services you need.
You don’t have to make big changes all at once. Small steps, like learning more about your health, asking questions, and using available resources, can make a difference over time.
In this issue, we’re sharing information to help you better understand your care, your medications, and your Medicare rights.