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What is the Medicare Blue Button 2.0?

4 min readSeptember 15, 2024
David Haass

Written By

David Haass

CTO & Co-Founder

Ashlee Zareczny

Reviewed By

Ashlee Zareczny
Close-up of a computer circuit board with chips, capacitors, and soldered components

What is the Medicare Blue Button?

The Medicare Blue Button 2.0 is a feature on MyMedicare.gov that allows Medicare beneficiaries to download their personal health and claims data. The data includes up to 3 years of Medicare Part A, Part B, and Part D claims, along with prescription drug information, provider details, and cost information.

Blue Button 2.0 uses the FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) standard, allowing third-party health apps and providers to securely access your Medicare data with your permission. This enables better care coordination and personalized health management.

Key Takeaways

  • Medicare Blue Button 2.0 lets beneficiaries download up to 3 years of Medicare claims data
  • The data can be shared with health apps, providers, and caregivers
  • Access it through your MyMedicare.gov account

How to Use the Medicare Blue Button?

  1. Log in to your MyMedicare.gov account

  2. Navigate to the 'My Health' section

  3. Click 'Blue Button' or 'Download My Data'

  4. Choose to download as a PDF or text file, or connect a third-party app

  5. Review your claims history, drug history, and provider information

How To Stay Connected With Medicare Blue Button

You can authorize third-party health apps to access your Blue Button data. This allows apps to help you track medications, identify potential drug interactions, prepare for doctor visits, and monitor healthcare spending. Always verify an app's privacy policy before authorizing access to your Medicare data.

Privacy Note

You control who can access your Blue Button data. You can revoke app access at any time through your MyMedicare.gov account settings.

Is the Medicare Blue Button Free?
Yes. The Blue Button feature is available at no cost to all Medicare beneficiaries through MyMedicare.gov.
What Data Can I Download with Blue Button?
You can download up to 3 years of Medicare claims data including Part A hospital claims, Part B medical claims, and Part D prescription drug claims.
Can I Share My Blue Button Data with My Doctor?
Yes. You can download the data and share it directly, or authorize your provider's health system to access it electronically through a compatible app.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I Create a MyMedicare.gov Account?
Visit MyMedicare.gov and click 'Create Account.' You'll need your Medicare number, date of birth, and other identifying information.
Is My Medicare Data Secure with Blue Button?
Yes. Blue Button 2.0 uses industry-standard security protocols. Only apps you explicitly authorize can access your data, and you can revoke access at any time.

Have Medicare questions?

Our licensed Medicare agents are available to help you find the right coverage.

Call (888) 335-8996