How to Ask for an Accessible Copy of a Coverage Notice
A coverage notice is not useful if the beneficiary cannot read or access it.
Medicare provides free auxiliary aids and information in accessible formats such as braille, large print, data/audio files, relay services, and TTY.
Request the accessible format immediately and do not silently let an appeal deadline pass because the standard notice was unusable.
Medicare accessible-format options
Medicare lists options including:
- large print;
- braille;
- audio/data files;
- relay services; and
- TTY communication.
For Medicare materials, the beneficiary can contact 1-800-MEDICARE or use CMS accessible-format request channels.
Extra time when the format request causes delay
Medicare’s accessibility notice states that a person will not be disadvantaged by additional time needed to provide an accessible format.
It says the person will get extra time to take required action if there is a delay in fulfilling the request.
That makes it important to document when the accessible-format request was made.
A plan’s notices may have separate contact routes
If the notice came from a Medicare Advantage or drug plan, contact the plan too.
Medicare rights include receiving plan information in accessible formats.
Ask the plan to identify how the appeal deadline is protected while the accessible copy is being provided.
Language access is separate but important
For language other than English, Medicare offers language assistance through 1-800-MEDICARE.
Plans and covered entities may also have language-access obligations.
Ask for interpretation/translated information rather than using a child or unqualified person for complex coverage decisions when professional assistance is available.
Representative communication
If a beneficiary wants another person to act in an appeal or receive protected information, formal representative/authorization requirements may apply.
Do not assume family status alone grants all appeal authority.
Accessible-notice worksheet
Notice type: ____________________
Date standard notice received: ____________________
Barrier: vision / language / hearing / other
Accessible format requested: ____________________
Request date/time: ____________________
Medicare/plan contact: ____________________
Reference number: ____________________
Original deadline: ____________________
Extra-time confirmation: ____________________
Accessible copy received: ____________________
Frequently asked questions
Can Medicare send large print or braille?
Yes.
What if the appeal deadline is tomorrow?
Call immediately, request the accessible format, document the request, and ask how the deadline is protected.
Can the family read the notice for the resident?
They can help when the resident wants that, but formal authorization may be needed to act as a representative.
The practical goal
Accessibility is part of the coverage process.
When a notice cannot be used, create a record of the barrier, the requested format, the request date, and the protected action deadline.
Related NHP guides
- What Is a Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage in Skilled Nursing?
- Can Families See Nursing Home Care Records? What to Ask
Primary sources checked
- Medicare — Accessibility & Nondiscrimination Notice
- Medicare — Your Rights
- CMS — Accessibility, Nondiscrimination, and Complaint Information
*Editorial/source review: October 15, 2026. General education only. Home-health scope, ambulance coverage, annual plan changes, enrollment rights, and accessible-notice deadlines should be confirmed from current Medicare/plan materials.*
