What does an ABN inform Medicare beneficiaries?

An ABN, or Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage, is a critical form that informs Medicare beneficiaries about the potential non-coverage of certain outpatient services. This notice is provided when a healthcare provider believes that Medicare may not cover a service or item that the patient is receiving.

By issuing an ABN, the provider helps beneficiaries understand that they may be financially responsible for the service, allowing them to make informed decisions about their care and potential costs. This pre-emptive communication ensures that patients are not caught off guard by unexpected bills after services have been rendered.

The other options relate to different Medicare-related information but do not accurately describe the primary purpose of an ABN. Changes in Medicare policy, enrollment plans, and upcoming premium changes are important aspects of healthcare coverage, but they do not pertain specifically to the non-coverage notifications represented by an ABN.