General Information Guide

Limitation of Liability (Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage)

Services denied as not reasonable and medically necessary, under section 1862(a) (1) of the Social Security Act, are subject to the Limitation of Liability (ABN) provision. The ABN is a notice given to beneficiaries to convey that Medicare is not likely to provide coverage in a specific case. Providers must complete the ABN and deliver the notice to affected beneficiaries or their representative before providing the items or services that are the subject of the notice.

The ABN must be verbally reviewed with the beneficiary or his/her representative and any questions raised during that review must be answered before it is signed. The ABN must be delivered far enough in advance that the beneficiary or representative has time to consider the options and make an informed choice. ABNs are never required in emergency or urgent care situations. Once all blanks are completed and the form is signed, a copy is given to the beneficiary or representative. In all cases, the provider must retain the original notice on file.

Visit Beneficiary Notices Initiatives (BNI) for instructions and the ABN Form (CMS-R-131).

Reviewed 10/18/2024