MA27 remark code

Remittance advice remark code MA27. Remark codes add detail to the reason code on the same claim line.

Missing or invalid entitlement ID or name

Unofficial reference. This is our own plain-English explanation, not the official code text. Payer rules differ. Verify with the payer and the official X12 code list. AlphaPrefix is not affiliated with X12, CMS or any payer. Data last updated Nov 11, 2026.

What MA27 means

The patient's entitlement number or name on the claim is missing, incomplete or does not match the payer's records.

The payer could not match the patient's identifying number and name to its enrollment file. That may be a typo, an outdated number, or a name entered differently from the card.

It usually comes with reason code 16 or 31 and is fixed by correcting the patient details, not by appealing.

Common causes

• The patient's ID number was keyed with a typo or an old number was used.
• The name on the claim differs from the name on the card, such as after a marriage.
• Middle initials or suffixes were placed in the wrong field.

What to do next

1. Check the patient's current ID card or run an eligibility check.
2. Update the patient's name and ID in the billing system to match the payer's records.
3. Resubmit the claim once the name and number match the payer's file.

Related codes

• 16 (reason code) Missing information or billing error
• MA36 (remark code) Missing or invalid patient name
• MA61 (remark code) Missing or invalid Social Security number