In March 2017, the Office of Management and Budget approved the Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) (Form CMS-R-131) for another 3 years. There are no changes to the form, except the new expiration date of March 2020. Starting June 21, 2017, you must use the most recent version of the CMS-R-131 to deliver a valid ABN; however, you may begin using the new form immediately. For more information, visit the FFS ABN Webpage.
Note: Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) must use the ABN for items/services expected to be denied under Medicare Part B only.
*The Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN), Form CMS-R-131, is issued by providers (including independent laboratories, home health agencies, and hospices), physicians, practitioners, and suppliers to Original Medicare (fee for service) beneficiaries in situations where Medicare payment is expected to be denied. Guidelines for mandatory and voluntary use of the ABN are published in the Medicare Claims Processing Manual, Chapter 30, Section 50.*
