Failure to Provide Written Notification of Payment Liability Changes
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that Resident #3 was provided with a written notification of changes in charges for services during their stay. Despite the Admission Agreement stipulating that any changes in charges based on the resident's condition should be communicated in advance, there was no evidence that Resident #3 received written notice of a liability change for payment. The resident, who was on IV antibiotic therapy for an infected prosthetic knee joint, was discharged without being informed of a $2,800 bill received post-discharge and the expiration of their insurance coverage. Staff interviews revealed discrepancies in communication regarding the resident's liability for payment. The Assistant Business Office Manager indicated that the resident became responsible for a copay on the 21st day of their stay, but there was confusion about issuing a Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage (NOMNC) due to Medicare coverage dropping to 70%. The Business Office Manager acknowledged that there was a lack of documentation regarding discussions with Resident #3 about payor changes and the issuance of necessary notices like the Advance Beneficiary Notice of Non-Coverage (ABN) or NOMNC. The Business Office Manager mentioned that the resident was informed about the copay requirement verbally but admitted that no formal letter was given to Resident #3 regarding the liability change. Despite the resident expressing financial concerns and being unable to leave due to ongoing IV therapy, there was a delay in providing written notification of the payment liability change. The lack of proper communication and documentation regarding the resident's financial responsibility during their stay led to the deficiency in ensuring Resident #3 was adequately informed of potential liabilities for services not covered by Medicaid/Medicare.
Penalty
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