Writing off for indigent patients

We have some elderly patients who are indigent and my question is if I write off their balance after Medicare, do they need to sign an ABN or can I just write it off? Do I violate any Medicare rules by just writing it off? Thank you.

indigents

No you cannot just write it off. They have to prove financial hardship and you have to show that you tried collecting.
Routine waiver of coinsurance is considered fraud. I will have to find the guidelines but it is definnitely a compliance no-no. Google "Routine waiver of copay or coinsurance Medicare" and see what you find.

Thanks

Thanks Nonni - I will do just that.

Found it

I did google this and found it along with a sample copy of a waiver policy. Thank you for your help. I will look for one for commercial insurances as well.

indigent

The definition of indigent will vary from state to state but a parent’s need for assistance from a Medicaid program may be enough to support the definition of indigent
medicare is not an indegent program

Good thought

You're right. If someone needs Medicaid, they certainly could be called indigent. The patient I'm thinking of is a little too proud to ask for help but makes only $600 a month. That's indigent in my book. Thanks everyone for your expert input.

Indigent patients

Medicare claims should be submitted for services provided. Upon receipt of consideration and posting to the patient's account, a statement would be sent for the balance due (or wait for secondary insurance recognition of the claim). If the patient does not pay in the time frame your practice sets for your collection process, and it is found that the patient is unable to pay (and that standard is set by your practice), the residual amount can be forgiven. Don't assume Medicare = "poor" - it does not. Medicare is an earned benefit of retirement by paying into the Social Security system. It is a good idea before forgiving a medical debt to document the reason for the write-off, not only for auditing purposes, but to protect your job as well.