Medicare Glossary

ABN (Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage)

A written notice that a doctor or supplier gives you before providing a service that Medicare may not pay for. If you sign the ABN, you agree to pay for the service yourself if Medicare denies the claim. You have the right to refuse the service.

Also known as: ABN, Advance Beneficiary Notice

Appeal

A formal request you make when you disagree with Medicare's decision about coverage or payment for a service. You have the right to appeal any coverage denial, and there are multiple levels of appeal available.