Assignment of benefits authorizes:

Assignment of benefits is a specific arrangement between a patient and their healthcare provider that allows the provider to receive payment directly from the insurance company for services rendered. When a patient assigns their benefits to a physician, it explicitly authorizes the physician to file claims on the patient's behalf and to collect payment directly from the payer. This process streamlines billing for the physician and can ease the burden on the patient by eliminating the need for them to manage the claim submission and payment process.

In this context, the other options do not accurately describe the intent or effect of an assignment of benefits. The payer sending payments directly to the patient misrepresents the purpose of the assignment, as the agreement aims for the payments to go directly to the provider. Similarly, the statement regarding providing completed claim forms to patients doesn't align with the concept of assignment; rather, it emphasizes the patient being responsible for the claims process, which is contrary to the benefits of assignment. Hence, the first choice captures the essence of the assignment of benefits accurately.