Finding 37200 (2022-001)

Finding 2022-001: Sliding Fee Scale Documentation Grantor: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Names: Health Center Program Cluster: Health Center Program (Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Center, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care), COVID-19 Health Center Program (Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care), Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program. Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: 93.224 and 93.527 Criteria In accordance with the Uniform Guidance, the Center must prepare and apply a sliding fee discount policy and schedule so that the amounts owed for health center services by eligible patients are adjusted (discounted) based on a patient's poverty level, which is determined by the patient's family size and income. Condition The Center did not always have the proper slide fee documentation readily available to ensure the proper slide fee discount was applied based on approved policies. Context A test of 40 discount transactions was performed and resulted in eight instances of sliding fee discounts not being properly calculated based on the respective patient family size and income. Our sample was a statistically valid sample. Questioned Costs None. Cause The Center did not have adequate internal controls in place to effectively ensure that all sliding fee discounts were properly calculated based on approved documentation. Effect The Center did not comply with the appropriate rules and regulations as per the Uniform Guidance. Identification of Repeat Finding None. Recommendation The Center should establish a system of internal controls to ensure that all sliding fee discounts are properly calculated based on family size and income. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the audit finding and will strengthen internal controls and accountability to correct the deficiency.