A voluntary decision by the beneficiary to have insurance benefits paid directly to the provider rather than to the beneficiary him or herself. The act requires the signing of a form for the purpose. The provider is not obligated to accept an assignment of benefits; it may refuse and instead require the beneficiary to handle the collection procedure. Conversely, the provider may insist on assignment in order to protect its revenue; if the provider accepts the assignment, it ordinarily assumes responsibility for the collection paperwork.