Finding 1135694 (2024-002)

Health Center Program Cluster – ALNs. 93.224 and 93.527 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Award No. 5 H80CS00696-22-12 Program Year 22 Criteria or Specific Requirement – Special Tests and Provisions: Sliding Fee Discounts (42 USC 254(k)(3)(g); 42 CFR sections 51c.303(g); and 42 CFR sections 56.303 (f)) Condition – Patients received a sliding fee discount that was inconsistent with the stated sliding fee discount categories under the Organization’s policy. Cause – The Organization did not comply with their sliding fee policy. Effect or potential effect – Sliding fee discounts were given to patients that were inconsistent with the Organization’s sliding fee discount policy. Questioned cost – None Context – A sample of 25 patients were tested out of the total population of 144,985 encounters. The sampling methodology used is not and is not intended to be statistically valid. Four patients received a sliding fee adjustment that was inconsistent with the approved policy for the proper sliding fee adjustments based on their income documentation. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable – Is not a repeat finding. Recommendation – We recommend management continue to ensure all personnel understand the sliding fee scale policy and adhere to the requirements and guidelines set forth in the policy. Procedures should be implemented to ensure that eligible patients receive discounts in accordance with the sliding fee scale and the Health Center Program Compliance Manual.