What is "assignment" in the Original Medicare Plan and why is it important?

September 20, 2009 by admin

Assignment is an agreement between Medicare and doctors, other health care providers, and suppliers of health care equipment and supplies (like wheelchairs, oxygen, braces, and ostomy supplies). Doctors and suppliers who agree to accept assignment accept the Medicare-approved amount as payment in full for Part B services and supplies. You pay the coinsurance and deductible amounts. In some cases (such as if you have both Medicare and Medicaid), your health care providers and suppliers must accept assignment. If assignment is not accepted, charges are often higher. This means you may pay more. In addition, you may have to pay the entire charge at the time of service. Medicare will then send you its share of the charge. There is a limit on the amount your doctors and providers can bill you. The highest amount of money you can be charged for a covered service by doctors and other health care providers who don't accept assignment is called the limiting charge. The limit is 15% over Medicare's approved amount. The limiting charge only applies to certain services and does not apply to supplies or equipment. For a list of participating physicians in your area, visit the Find a Doctor or Other Healthcare Professional section of this Website. For a list of participating suppliers in your area, visit the Find Suppliers of Medical Equipment in Your Area section of this Website.