Medicare Part B Beneficiary Appeals Process

In response to a congressional request, GAO reported on claims processing and due process protections for beneficiaries under part B of the Medicare supplementary medical insurance program. GAO reported on: (1) the adequacy of the beneficiary appeals process under the due process principle of the Constitution; and (2) the extent to which the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) has implemented prior GAO recommendations directed at preventing underpayments to beneficiaries.