What result does the assignment of benefits typically have?

The assignment of benefits is a practice where a policyholder transfers their right to receive insurance benefits directly to their healthcare provider. This means that when medical services are provided, the insurance company pays the provider directly instead of sending the reimbursement to the insured individual.

This arrangement simplifies the payment process for the insured, as they typically do not need to pay out-of-pocket at the time of service and wait for reimbursement from their insurer. For the provider, it assures a quicker and more guaranteed payment process.

In contrast to this option, the other outcomes align with scenarios that are not typically associated with the assignment of benefits: higher premiums, delays in payouts, and retention of rights to benefits by the policyholder are not characteristics inherent to this practice. The assignment of benefits explicitly alters the flow of payments, ensuring that the medical provider is compensated directly for their services rendered.