Finding the right Medicare information shouldn't mean digging through government websites. We've gathered the most important official publications from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) in one place — handbooks, fact sheets, guides, and notices that explain your rights, coverage, costs, and benefits. Whether you're new to Medicare or reviewing your options during enrollment season, these are the documents that matter most.
The official 2026 Medicare handbook covers eligibility, enrollment periods, Parts A through D, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, prescription drug coverage, preventive services, and costs. Essential reading for new enrollees and current beneficiaries.
Understand your rights, coverage options, and what to expect when living in a Medicare-covered nursing home. This guide covers Medicare and Medicaid benefits, resident rights, care planning, and how to file a complaint if needed. Medicare publication 12217.
Learn how Medicare covers cancer treatment services including chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, screenings, and hospice care. Understand what Parts A, B, D, and Medicare Advantage plans cover so you can make the best decisions for your cancer care. Medicare publication 11931.
Choosing a nursing home is one of the most important decisions you or a loved one may face. This summary of the Medicare publication covers how to find, compare, and evaluate nursing homes, understand your rights, and navigate costs and payment options.
Learn how Medicare covers ambulance services, including ground and air transport. Find out what qualifies as medically necessary, what you may owe, and how non-emergency ambulance rides may also be covered under Medicare Part B. Medicare publication 11021.
Medicare covers a wide range of mental health services including therapy, inpatient care, and prescription drugs. Learn how Parts A, B, and D work together to support your mental health and what protections you have as a Medicare beneficiary. Medicare publication 10184.
Learn how Medicare covers skilled nursing facility care, including who qualifies, what services are covered, how long benefits last, and your rights as a Medicare beneficiary during a short-term rehabilitation or recovery stay. Publication number 10153.
Learn how Medigap supplements Original Medicare by covering out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and coinsurance. Compare standardized plans, understand enrollment periods, and discover when guaranteed issue rights protect your coverage options.
Learn how Medicare Advantage Plans work, what they cover, and how they differ from Original Medicare. Understand costs, network rules, enrollment periods, and whether Part C is right for you. Compare plan types and benefits to make an informed decision.
Learn how Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, including what services are included, how benefit periods and cost sharing work, the difference between inpatient and observation status, and your rights as a Medicare hospital patient.
