Arkansas Life and Health Insurance Practice Exam

Medicare benefit payments are made to the medical provider:

1. Directly, regardless of assignment

2. If the benefit has been assigned

3. Only if the provider is in the Medicare network

4. Only if a special authorization is granted

The correct answer is: Directly, regardless of assignment

Medicare benefit payments are made directly to the medical provider, regardless of assignment. This means that Medicare will pay the provider directly for covered services rendered to the beneficiary, regardless of whether the provider has assigned the benefit to receive payment directly. This direct payment relationship ensures that providers receive timely payment for the services they provide to Medicare beneficiaries. The other options are incorrect because Medicare does not require providers to be in the Medicare network or obtain special authorization for payment.