Finding Text
Finding: 2022-001 Sliding Fee Discounts Federal Programs: Department of Health and Human Services Health Center Program Cluster CFDA 93.224 and 93.527 Criteria: Uniform Guidance, Special Tests & Provisions, Sliding Fee Discounts, 42 CFR, 56.303 Condition: Health Centers receiving funding under the Health Center Program Cluster must prepare and apply a sliding fee discount so that the amounts owed for health center services by eligible patients are discounted based on the patient?s ability to pay. During compliance testing, it was determined that the Organization did not properly apply the sliding fee discounts for 8 patients out of a sample of 30 patients during the year ended June 30, 2022. Cause: There were deficiencies in internal controls to ensure that proper sliding fee discounts were applied to patient accounts in accordance with the Organization?s sliding fee scale. The sliding fee scale file was not properly utilized in the application of discounts provided to patients. Effect: Discounts were not properly applied to patient accounts. Questioned Costs: None reported Context/Sampling: For 8 of 30 patients selected for testing, the account had an incorrect discount applied. This sample was not, and was not intended to be, a statistically valid sample. The finding appears to be a systemic issue. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: Yes Recommendation: It is recommended that the electronic health record software be updated to correctly apply sliding fee discounts as intended based on the federal poverty guidelines. It is recommended that staff be trained to review sliding fee discounts applied to ensure they are accurate. Views of Responsible Officials: Management concurs. Efforts will be made to implement corrective actions as recommended above. Contact Person: Shantelle Simpson, CEO Anticipated Date of Completion: January 31, 2023