What does assigned benefits mean in a medical expense claim?

• A. The insured receives direct reimbursement first.
• B. The insurer pays the provider directly.
• C. The provider discounts the bill.
• D. The insurer pays the patient upon submission.

Answer: (B)

Assigned benefits means the insurer pays the provider directly for the covered services, with the patient authorizing that arrangement. This streamlines payment so the provider receives payment without the patient having to pay upfront and seek reimbursement. The patient’s responsibility typically remains any deductible, coinsurance, or non-covered charges. It’s not about the patient getting reimbursed first, nor about the provider simply discounting the bill, nor the insurer paying the patient after submission.