(a) Basic prohibition. Except as specified in paragraph (b) of this section, Medicare does not pay amounts that are due a beneficiary under §424.53 to any other person under assignment, power of attorney, or any other direct payment arrangement.

(b) Exceptions—(1) Payment to a government agency or entity. Subject to the requirements of the Assignment of Claims Act (31 U.S.C. 3727), Medicare may pay a government agency or entity under an assignment by a beneficiary (or by the beneficiary's legal guardian or representative payee).

(2) Payment under an assignment established by court order. Medicare may pay under an assignment established by, or in accordance with, a court order if the assignment meets the conditions set forth in §424.90.