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Frequently Asked Questions
about the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey
What is the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey?
Since 1991, the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) has been collecting information
about the health and cost of care of Medicare beneficiaries. For over 25 years, this survey has
been the nation’s primary source of information about how Medicare affects the people it serves.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, part of the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, sponsors this study, and also oversees the Medicare program.
How was I selected for the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey?
We have scientifically selected your name from the Medicare administrative files, and we cannot
substitute another person for you in this study. You, along with 16,000 other Medicare
beneficiaries, have been selected to participate in this study. Together, the study participants
represent all of the nation’s 49 million Medicare beneficiaries.
Why should I participate?

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To improve the quality of care you and other Medicare beneficiaries receive.

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To provide legislators and policy makers with more information to create effective laws and
regulations for people enrolled in Medicare.

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To help us understand how Medicare affects your daily life and what problems you might be
experiencing with it.

To create summary reports to describe key factors about how people use Medicare.
To determine whether Medicare benefits are meeting the needs of current beneficiaries.

Will my participation or lack of participation affect my Medicare benefits?
Your participation is voluntary and will not affect your Medicare benefits.
How do I know my information is confidential?
The information you provide will be kept private to the extent permitted by law, as prescribed
by the Privacy Act of 1974. The information you give will only be used for research and
statistical purposes.

HOW DO I KNOW THIS IS LEGITIMATE?
We encourage you to verify the legitimacy of the Medicare Current
Beneficiary Survey (MCBS). We want every participant to be well
informed.
● Call the MCBS project number at NORC at the University of
Chicago at 1-877-389-3429.
● Email the MCBS project at: [email protected].
● Find MCBS online at:
○ mcbs.norc.org
○ www.cms.gov/MCBS
● Ask to see the field interviewer’s NORC ID Badge.
● If you have questions about your rights as a research participant,
please call the IRB Administrator toll free at 1-866-309-0542.
● Information will be used only for statistical purposes.