Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Return to Search

Medicare Beneficiary Notices Initiative (BNI) FFS SNF ABN

Guidance for SNFs for issuing a notice to Original Medicare (fee for service - FFS) beneficiaries in order to transfer potential financial liability.

Issued by: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Issue Date: September 19, 2019

What's New

08/28/2024: With the help of our contractors, we revised the SNF ABN, Form CMS-10055, and the form instructions.  The SNF ABN form and instructions are located in the download section and are available for immediate use, but will be mandatory for use on 10/31/2024.    

Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) must issue a notice to Original Medicare (fee for service - FFS) beneficiaries in order to transfer potential financial liability before the SNF provides:

  • an item or service that is usually paid for by Medicare, but may not be paid for in this particular instance because it is not medically reasonable and necessary, or
  • custodial care.

For Part A items and services: SNFs use the SNF ABN as the liability notice.

For Part B items and services: SNFs use the Advance Beneficiary Notice of Non-coverage (ABN), Form CMS-R-131. The ABN and information on this notice can be found at /Medicare/Medicare-General-Information/BNI/ABN.

To download the SNF ABN and accompanying instructions, please click on the appropriate link below.

Questions?

Questions regarding the SNF ABN or ABN can be submitted at: https://appeals.lmi.org/ 

HHS is committed to making its websites and documents accessible to the widest possible audience, including individuals with disabilities. We are in the process of retroactively making some documents accessible. If you need assistance accessing an accessible version of this document, please reach out to the guidance@hhs.gov.

DISCLAIMER: The contents of this database lack the force and effect of law, except as authorized by law (including Medicare Advantage Rate Announcements and Advance Notices) or as specifically incorporated into a contract. The Department may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not posted on the guidance repository, except to establish historical facts.