Understanding the Health Insurance Claim Number (HICN) and Its Significance

Definition & Meaning

The health insurance claim number (HICN) is a unique identifier assigned by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to individuals who are Medicare beneficiaries. This number appears on the beneficiary's insurance card and is essential for processing Medicare claims. The HICN consists of two components: the claim account number (CAN), which is the policy number of the wage earner eligible for Medicare benefits, and the beneficiary identification code number (BIC), which indicates the relationship between the wage earner and the beneficiary.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A Medicare beneficiary visits a doctor for a routine check-up. The doctor's office requires the HICN to submit a claim for reimbursement to Medicare.

Example 2: A beneficiary receives a new insurance card reflecting their HICN after enrolling in Medicare for the first time.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Difference
Claim Account Number (CAN) The policy number of the wage earner eligible for Medicare benefits. Part of the HICN, specifically identifying the policy holder.
Beneficiary Identification Code Number (BIC) A code that indicates the relationship between the wage earner and the beneficiary. Another component of the HICN, focusing on relationships.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are a Medicare beneficiary, keep your HICN accessible for any healthcare visits or claims. If you need to submit a claim or manage your Medicare benefits, consider using templates from US Legal Forms to assist you. If you encounter difficulties or have complex issues, seeking professional legal assistance may be beneficial.

Quick facts

Attribute Details
Issuer Social Security Administration
Components Claim Account Number (CAN), Beneficiary Identification Code Number (BIC)
Usage Processing Medicare claims

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

The HICN is used to identify Medicare beneficiaries and is necessary for processing claims.