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An Advance Beneficiary Notice is a form given to you before a service. It warns you that Medicare might not pay, so you can decide first.
The form names the service and the reason Medicare might deny it. You choose an option on the form before the service happens, such as agreeing to pay if Medicare says no. Without a signed ABN, some providers cannot bill you directly for a denied service.
This word shows up as a paper form handed to you at a doctor's office or lab, often shortened to ABN.
“payment shall, notwithstanding such determination, be made for such items or services”
Programs
This word shows up in real letters. Start with your letter
Related words
Medicare Summary Notice (MSN)
The Medicare Summary Notice is a statement from Original Medicare. It lists your care. It also lists what Medicare paid, every few months.
Explanation of Benefits (EOB)
An Explanation of Benefits is a statement from your health plan. It shows what a claim cost, what the plan paid, and what you may owe.
Prior authorization
Prior authorization is approval you must get from your health plan first. It is required before certain care or drugs will be covered.
Related notices
Sources
- Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute (U.S. Code mirror)Retrieved 2026-07-08
Last reviewed 2026-07-08