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MA28 Remark Code: Non-Assigned Notice Is for Information

MA28 is an alert for providers who did not accept assignment. Receiving this notice is for information only; it does not make the provider a party to the determination and gives no appeal rights beyond those already provided by regulation or instruction.

Quick facts

Code
MA28 (RARC MA28)
Status
Active In use since January 1, 1997; last modified April 1, 2007.
Code set
Remittance Advice Remark Codes (RARC)
Group codes
  • PR (Patient Responsibility): On unassigned claims, the patient is generally responsible for paying the provider and receives the payer's payment directly.
Official description
Alert: Receipt of this notice by a physician or supplier who did not accept assignment is for information only and does not make the physician or supplier a party to the determination. No additional rights to appeal this decision, above those rights already provided for by regulation/instruction, are conferred by receipt of this notice.
X12 Remittance Advice Remark Codes, retrieved September 25, 2026
Last verified
against the official X12 list.

What MA28 means

When a provider does not accept assignment on a Medicare claim, the beneficiary is the party to the claim and payment typically goes to them. MA28 makes clear that the copy of the notice you received is for information only. It does not make you a party and does not create extra appeal rights.

The practical point: if the decision needs challenging, the route usually runs through the beneficiary, unless the regulations give you your own rights in that situation.

What to do

  1. Use the notice to bill correctly. Apply the limits that govern unassigned claims when billing the patient.
  2. Tell the patient if you believe the decision is wrong, and help them file an appeal if they choose.
  3. Consider assignment going forward if appeal access or direct payment matters for the service.

For how assignment affects billing and appeals, see CARC and RARC denial analysis.

Codes that may appear with MA28

  • CO-100 (Payment made to patient/insured/responsible party.): Payment was made to the patient, which is typical on unassigned claims.
  • CO-45 (Charge exceeds fee schedule/maximum allowable or contracted/legislated fee arrangement.): The allowed-amount reduction shown for information on the unassigned claim.
  • MA09 (Alert: Claim submitted as unassigned but processed as assigned in accordance with our current assignment/participation agreement.): An unassigned claim was processed as assigned because of the participation agreement.
  • CO-111 (Not covered unless the provider accepts assignment.): A service that is not covered unless the provider accepts assignment.
  • MA01 (Alert: If you do not agree with what we approved for these services, you may appeal our decision.): The Medicare appeal rights alert.

MA28 FAQ

Can I appeal as a non-assigned provider?

MA28 says the notice adds no appeal rights. Non-assigned providers generally have appeal rights only in limited situations defined by regulation, such as acting for the beneficiary or when liability rules apply.

Why did I receive the notice at all?

It keeps you informed of how the claim was processed so you can bill the patient correctly. It is not an invitation to dispute the determination.

Who should dispute the decision?

Usually the beneficiary, who is the party to the determination on an unassigned claim. You may help them, for example as an authorised representative.