What group does the Important Message from Medicare primarily target?

The Important Message from Medicare primarily targets hospital patients because it serves to inform them about their rights regarding their care and coverage while receiving inpatient hospital services. This message is crucial as it outlines the patient's right to receive necessary information about what Medicare covers, the potential for their hospitalization to be covered by Medicare, and the steps they can take if they believe their discharge is premature. The focus on hospital patients is essential given the complexities of inpatient care, where patients need to be well-informed about their rights and protections under Medicare during their hospital stay.

Patients in outpatient care, long-term care facilities, and those receiving home healthcare do not receive the same level of detail about inpatient rights and discharge procedures that the Important Message specifically addresses, making it uniquely relevant to individuals in a hospital setting.