Which of the following describes Civil Monetary Penalty Law regarding waiving coinsurance or deductibles?

• A. Is always allowed.
• B. Is generally prohibited; exception for pro-bono to financially needy patients.
• C. Only applies to waiving coinsurance but not free services.
• D. Encourages waiving payments as standard practice.

Answer: (B)

Cost-sharing waivers under the Civil Monetary Penalty Law are generally prohibited because they can disguise improper payments or inducements and potentially lead to false claims to federal programs. The law does, however, allow a narrow exception for bona fide charity care: providing free care or substantial discounts to financially needy patients (pro bono or charity care) under a properly implemented policy. This keeps patient access supported while limiting opportunities for improper inducements or misuse. So the best description is that waiving coinsurance or deductibles is generally not allowed, with a limited exception for pro bono/charity care to financially needy patients.