Finding No. 2022-007: Inadequate Documentation and Records for Application of
Sliding Fee Discounts
We have incorporated a policy that establishes the basis for the sliding fee policy to assure affordable access to care for uninsured and underinsured patients of the organization. The policy will recognize a “full discount” for individuals and families with annual incomes at or below 100% Federal poverty level (FPL) with only nominal fees charged, three levels of discount between 100% and 200%, and no discounts for copays for individuals and families earning over 200% FPL. This policy will be in accordance with Section 330(k)(3)(G) of the PHS Act and 42 CFR Part 51c.303(f) and 42 CFR Part 51c.303(u) which are incorporated herewith.
We will charge a nominal fee to individuals and families with annual incomes at or below 100% of the FPL. Patients whose incomes are above 100% or below 200% of the FPL will be charged according to our sliding fee scale based on income and family size. Discounts will be provided to patients with incomes up to 200% of the FPL for medical visits. Discounts will be provided to patients with incomes up to 250% of the FPL for family planning visits. Staff will assess patients’ incomes based upon a sliding fee scale and no patient will be denied care based upon their inability to pay. The organization also has a policy of nondiscrimination in the delivery of health care as stated in its Patient Bill of Rights. Also, the Board of Directors define the income and family size, and has defined the family size to be all parents, minors or guardians that are financially responsible for the household.
The tracking and documentation of sliding fees is now maintained with the deposit record of each fee received in the shared file for immediate availability and reference.