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How Do You Get a Medicare Summary Notice?

Learn how to get your Medicare Summary Notice, what it shows, when it arrives, and how electronic MSNs can arrive sooner.

Direct answer

If you have Original Medicare, Medicare sends a Medicare Summary Notice when covered services or supplies are processed. Paper MSNs usually arrive every 6 months if you had claims during that period. You can switch to electronic MSNs through your secure Medicare account so you can get a notice for months when processed claims exist instead of waiting for paper mail.

Original Medicare + processed claims = MSN; electronic option = faster monthly access when claims exist

MSN basics

Is it a bill?

It summarizes claims and possible amounts owed

Who gets it?

Original Medicare users with claims

Plan EOBs are different

Paper timing

Every 6 months when claims exist

No claims can mean no MSN

Electronic timing

Monthly when processed claims exist

Useful for faster review

Denied item

Check appeal instructions

The MSN can start an Original Medicare appeal

Question	Answer	Why it matters
Is it a bill?	No	It summarizes claims and possible amounts owed
Who gets it?	Original Medicare users with claims	Plan EOBs are different
Paper timing	Every 6 months when claims exist	No claims can mean no MSN
Electronic timing	Monthly when processed claims exist	Useful for faster review
Denied item	Check appeal instructions	The MSN can start an Original Medicare appeal

MSN is different from a plan EOB

A Medicare Summary Notice is for Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage and drug plans send plan-specific explanations or notices that can use different names, formats, and appeal instructions.

Get and use the notice

1Confirm you have Original Medicare and had covered services or supplies.
2Watch for paper MSNs every 6 months when claims exist.
3Sign in to your Medicare account if you want electronic MSNs.
4Compare services, Medicare payments, and possible amounts owed.
5Use the MSN appeal instructions if you disagree with a denied item or service.

FAQ

Is a Medicare Summary Notice a bill?

No. Medicare says the MSN is not a bill. It summarizes Original Medicare services, what Medicare paid, and the maximum amount you may owe.

How often do Medicare Summary Notices arrive?

For Original Medicare, paper MSNs usually arrive every 6 months if you had covered services or supplies. Electronic MSNs can be available monthly when processed claims exist.

Can a Medicare Summary Notice help with an appeal?

Yes. If a service or item is denied and you disagree, the MSN includes appeal directions and deadlines for Original Medicare.

Sources & method

We reviewed these references while writing this answer. Figures are estimates — confirm safety-critical work with a professional. Last updated June 7, 2026.