If the assignment of benefits box on a CMS-1500 is checked "yes," who receives payment?

• A. The patient
• B. The payer pays the patient
• C. The provider receives payment directly from the payer
• D. The insurer withholds payment

Answer: (C)

Assignment of Benefits is the option that authorizes the insurer to send reimbursement directly to the provider who rendered the service. When this box is checked Yes, the payer routes payment straight to the provider, not to the patient. This setup helps the provider receive timely payment and reduces the patient’s involvement in handling funds. If this box were not checked, the payer would typically pay the patient, who would then pass funds to the provider, creating extra steps and potential delays. The option that the insurer withholds payment doesn’t reflect how this assignment works. So, the payment goes to the provider directly from the payer.