Editorial Policy

How we source, verify, and update Medicare information — and what this site is not.

US Medicare Guide is committed to providing accurate, up-to-date Medicare information sourced exclusively from official U.S. government publications. This page explains our editorial standards so readers can evaluate the reliability of the information presented.

1. Sources We Use

Every data point on this site is sourced from one or more of the following official sources:

CMS Public Data (data.cms.gov)

Medicare enrollment statistics, Medicare Advantage plan landscape files, Part D data, and utilization reports published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Medicare.gov

Official benefit rules, coverage explanations, and plan comparison data from the U.S. federal Medicare program.

Medicaid.gov

State Medicaid program rules, dual-eligibility criteria, and state-level benefit information.

SHIP National Resource Center (shiphelp.org)

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) contact information and counseling resources for each state.

We do not use insurance company websites, broker materials, or non-government sources as primary references.

2. How We Verify Information

Before publishing state-level coverage data, we cross-reference at least two official sources when available. When sources conflict, we note the discrepancy rather than choosing the more favorable figure. If a data point cannot be confirmed from an official source, it is not included.

3. Update Frequency

Annual updates: Medicare Advantage plan counts, premiums, and insurer landscape data are updated when CMS releases its annual Plan Landscape files (typically September–October each year).
Enrollment data: Beneficiary enrollment statistics are updated when CMS publishes new monthly enrollment figures.
Coverage rules: When CMS or Medicare.gov announces changes to benefit rules, we review and update affected pages within 30 days of the announcement.
Build date: Every page shows its last-updated date, which reflects when the page was last rebuilt with current data.

4. What This Site Is Not

This site is strictly an informational reference. It does not provide:

Medical advice — we do not recommend treatments, diagnoses, or healthcare decisions.
Legal advice — coverage disputes, appeals, and rights questions should be directed to a licensed attorney or your State Insurance Commissioner.
Financial advice — plan cost comparisons and enrollment decisions should be made with a licensed insurance counselor or SHIP volunteer.
Personalized plan recommendations — we describe what plans generally offer; individual eligibility and benefits vary by ZIP code, income, and other factors.

5. Editorial Independence

US Medicare Guide receives no compensation from insurance companies, plan sponsors, brokers, or government agencies. There is no sponsored content on this site. Our coverage of any plan, insurer, or program is not influenced by advertising or commercial relationships.

6. Corrections Policy

We take accuracy seriously. If you believe information on this site is incorrect or outdated, please contact us with the specific page URL and the correction you believe is needed. We review all correction requests and update pages promptly when errors are confirmed.

7. Independence Statement

US Medicare Guide is an independent informational website. It is not affiliated with the U.S. government, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare.gov, or any insurance company, plan, or broker. The information provided is for general educational purposes only. Always verify coverage details with Medicare.gov or a licensed SHIP counselor before making enrollment decisions.