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Glossary

This glossary explains terms in the Medicare program, but it is not a legal document. The official Medicare program provisions are found in the relevant laws, regulations, and rulings.

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A B C D E F G H I J K L M
 
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z


Term Definition
INFORMATION, COUNSELING, AND ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

(See State Health Insurance Assistance Program.)

INITIAL COVERAGE ELECTION PERIOD

The 3 months immediately before you are entitled to Medicare Part A and enrolled in Part B. You may choose a Medicare health plan during your Initial Coverage Election Period. The plan must accept you unless it has reached its limit in the number of members. This limit is approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The Initial Coverage Election Period is different from the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). (See Election Periods; Enrollment/Part A; Initial Enrollment Period (IEP).)

INITIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD (IEP)

The IEP is the first chance you have to enroll in Part B or Part A (if you don't get it automatically without paying a premium). Your IEP starts 3 months before you first meet all the eligibility requirements for Medicare and continues for 7 months. The Initial Enrollment Period is different from the Initial Coverage Election Period. (See Enrollment/Part A; Election Periods; Initial Coverage Election Period.)

INITIAL ENROLLMENT QUESTIONNAIRE (IEQ)

A questionnaire sent to you when you become eligible for Medicare to find out if you have other insurance that should pay your medical bills before Medicare.

INPATIENT CARE

Health care that you get when you are admitted to a hospital.

INSOLVENCY

When a health plan has no money or other means to stay open and give health care to patients.

INTERMEDIARY

A private company that contracts with Medicare to pay Medicare Part A bills. (See Fiscal Intermediary.)

INTERNIST

A doctor who finds and treats health problems in adults.

*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 in the Medicare program, but it is not a legal document. The official Medicare program provisions are found in the relevant laws, regulations,and rulings.
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Date Last Updated: September 23, 2004

 

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