Glossary

A teletypewriter (TTY) is a communication device used by people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a severe-speech impairment. A TTY consists of a keyboard, display screen, and modem. Messages travel over regular telephone lines. People who don’t have a TTY can communicate with a TTY user through a message relay center (MRC). An MRC has TTY operators available to send and interpret TTY messages.

A type of Medicare Advantage Plan that provides more focused health care for some people. These plans give you all your Medicare health care as well as more focused care to manage a disease or condition such as congestive heart failure, diabetes, or End-Stage Renal Disease.

Expanded medical coverage available to Medicare-eligible uniformed services retirees age 65 or older, their eligible family members and survivors, and certain former spouses.

Is a way to check up on the quality of care delivered by health plans. Report cards provide information on how well a health plan treats its members, keeps them healthy, and gives access to needed care. Report cards can be published by States, private health organizations, consumer groups, or health plans.

Treatment to regain and strengthen speech skills.

A level of care that includes services that can only be performed safely and correctly by a licensed nurse (either a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse).

A type of Medicare Advantage Plan in which you use doctors, hospitals, and providers that belong to the network. You can use doctors, hospitals, and providers outside of the network for an additional cost.

Agency that inspects dialysis facilities and makes sure that Medicare standards are met.

Any situation where another payer orinsurer pays your medical bills before Medicare.

Dialysis is a treatment that cleans your blood when your kidneys don’t work. It gets rid of harmful wastes and extra salt and fluids that build up in your body. It also helps control blood pressure and helps your body keep the right amount of fluids. Dialysis treatments help you feel better and live longer, but they are not a cure for permanent kidney failure (See hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.).