How does receiving an Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) help me?

September 20, 2009 by admin

When you receive an ABN:

• The ABN protects you from unexpected financial liability in cases where Medicare denies payment. The "bad news" is that Medicare probably will not pay. The "good news" is that you now have the opportunity to choose whether or not to receive the service or item.
• The ABN helps you to make an informed consumer decision about whether to obtain the service or item and be prepared to pay for it (that is, either out of your own pocket or by your other insurance coverage) or to choose not to receive it.
• The ABN allows you to have your claim reviewed by Medicare if you do receive the service or item. This also means that you will have the right to appeal Medicare's decision.