1000.20—Definitions specific to Medicare.
As used in connection with the Medicare program, unless the context indicates otherwise—
Carrier means an entity that has a contract with CMS to determine and make Medicare payments for Part B benefits payable on a charge basis and to perform other related functions.
Entitled means that an individual meets all the requirements for Medicare benefits.
Hospital insurance benefits means payments on behalf of, and in rare circumstances directly to, an entitled individual for services that are covered under Part A of Title XVIII of the Act.
Intermediary means an entity that has a contract with CMS to determine and make Medicare payments for Part A or Part B benefits payable on a cost basis and to perform other related functions.
Medicare Part A means the hospital insurance program authorized under Part A of Title XVIII of the Act.
Medicare Part B means the supplementary medical insurance program authorized under Part B of Title XVIII of the Act.
Provider means a hospital, a skilled nursing facility, a comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facility, a home health agency, or effective November 1, 1983 through September 30, 1986, a hospice that has in effect an agreement to participate in Medicare, or a clinic, a rehabilitation agency, or a public health agency that has a similar agreement but only to furnish outpatient physical therapy or speech pathology services.
Railroad retirement benefits means monthly benefits payable to individuals under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 (45 U.S.C. beginning at section 231 ).
Services means medical care or services and items, such as medical diagnosis and treatment, drugs and biologicals, supplies, appliances, and equipment, medical social services, and use of hospital or SNF facilities.
Supplementary medical insurance benefits means payment to or on behalf of an entitled individual for services covered under Part B of Title XVIII of the Act.
Supplier means a physician or other practitioner, or an entity other than a provider, that furnishes health care services under Medicare.
[51 FR 34766, Sept. 30, 1986, as amended at 57 FR 3329, Jan. 29, 1992]