Finding 514312 (2023-002)

Special Provisions – Sliding Fee Discount Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program: Health Center Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 93.224 and 93.527 Award Period: 01/01/2023 – 12/31/2023 Type: Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance Questioned Costs: None Condition: Supervisors should review the sliding fee discount program assessment form to determine if patients are eligible to receive sliding fee rates. One of the 20 sliding fee discount program selections had an incorrect sliding fee discount rate applied to their services, resulting in the patient underpaying by approximately $195. Criteria: Must use specific sliding fee discount rates which are calculated based on income and household data. Supervisors should review the assessment form to ensure proper application. Cause: Supervisors review the sliding fee discount program assessment form weekly, however, this error was not caught during that weekly review. Effect: Errors could lead to improper amounts being charged to the patient. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: CLA recommends that the sliding fee discount program assessment form is reviewed to ensure the proper rate is used for each patient. Documentation of the review should be maintained. View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The Clinic agrees with the finding. The Front Desk lead will review the sliding fee discount document and verify accuracy of calculation and sign the application.