Full Definition

Medicare patient rights include: the right to receive clear information about treatment options and recommendations; the right to participate in care planning and decision-making; the right to be informed about discharge plans and appeal rights; the right to appoint a representative for healthcare decisions; the right to access their medical records; and the right to file complaints and grievances.

In hospitals: patients have the right to receive a written Important Message from Medicare explaining discharge rights and how to appeal. In SNFs: residents have a detailed Bill of Rights covering dignity, privacy, freedom from restraint, and participation in care planning. In home health: patients must receive a Patient Bill of Rights from the home health agency at the start of care.

The Medicare ombudsman program and state Long-Term Care Ombudsman programs help patients and families understand and exercise these rights.