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Glossary

This glossary explains terms found on the cms.hhs.gov web site, but it is not a legal document.

 

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General Glossary

Term Definition
GAPFILLING

Used when no comparable, existing test is available. Carrier specific amounts are used to establish a national limitation amount for the following year.

GAPS

The costs or services that are not covered under the Original Medicare Plan.

GATEKEEPER

In a managed care plan, this is another name for the primary care doctor. This doctor gives you basic medical services and coordinates proper medical care and referrals.

GENERAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD (GEP)

The GEP is January 1 through March 31 of each year. If you enroll in Part B or Part A (if you don't get it automatically without paying a premium) during the GEP, your coverage starts on July 1. (See Enrollment.)

GENERAL FUND OF THE TREASURY

Funds held by the Treasury of the United States, other than revenue collected for a specific trust fund (such as SMI) and maintained in a separate account for that purpose. The majority of this fund is derived from individual and business income taxes.

GENERAL REVENUE

Income to the SMI trust fund from the general fund of the Treasury. Only a very small percentage of total SMI trust fund income each year is attributable to general revenue.

GERONTOLOGY*

The study of, and learning about, older people and the process of aging.

GOVERNMENTAL ASSETS, LIABILITIES

Assets or liabilities that arise from transactions between a federal entity and a nonfederal entity.

GRAMM-RUDMAN-HOLLINGS ACT

The Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

GRIEVANCE

A complaint about the way your Medicare health plan is giving care. For example, you may file a grievance if you have a problem with the cleanliness of the health care facility, problems calling the plan, staff behavior, or operating hours. A grievance is not the way to deal with a complaint about a treatment decision or a service that is not covered.

GRIEVANCES AND COMPLAINTS

Information about grievances and complaints submitted to the health plan.

GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT

The total dollar value of all goods and services produced in a year in the United States, regardless of who supplies the labor or property.

GROUP HEALTH PLAN

A health plan that provides health coverage to employees, former employees, and their families, and is supported by an employer or employee organization.

GROUP OR NETWORK HMO

A health plan that contracts with group practices of doctors to give services in one or more places.

GUARANTEED ISSUE RIGHTS (ALSO CALLED "MEDIGAP PROTECTIONS")

Rights you have in certain situations when insurance companies are required by law to sell or offer you a Medigap policy. In these situations, an insurance company can't deny you insurance coverage or place conditions on a policy, must cover you for all pre-existing conditions, and can't charge you more for a policy because of past or present health problems.

GUARANTEED RENEWABLE

A right you have that requires your insurance company to allow you to automatically renew or continue your Medigap policy, unless you commit fraud or do not pay your premiums.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines are systematically developed by appropriate groups to assist practitioners and patient decisions about appropriate health care for specific clinical circumstances.


*NOTE: An asterisk (*) after a term means that this definition, in whole or in part, is used with permission from Walter Feldesman, ESQ., Dictionary of Eldercare Terminology, Copyright 2000.

This glossary explains terms found on the cms.hhs.gov web site, but it is not a legal document.

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Note: If any of the glossary information is inaccurate, please submit a glossary data change request to CMS.
Last Modified on Thursday, September 23, 2004