A Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) is sent to whom as their explanation of benefits (EOB)?

The Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) serves as a key communication tool that provides beneficiaries (patients) with important information regarding the services they have received under Medicare. It outlines the services that were billed, the amount Medicare has paid, and any amounts that the beneficiary may still owe.

This notice helps patients understand their healthcare costs and the benefits they've received, reflecting their rights to appeal any decisions if they disagree with what is billed or the payments made by Medicare. It is specifically designed for the beneficiaries themselves, making it an essential part of the healthcare billing process for those enrolled in Medicare.

The other options, while involved in the healthcare service provision, are not the recipients of the MSN. Physicians, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities are involved in the billing and claims process but don't receive the MSN as it is intended specifically for the individuals receiving the care, i.e., the patients. Thus, the correct response emphasizes the role of the MSN as a communication tool directed towards Medicare beneficiaries.