CMS cracks down on providers steering patients into private plans

Modern Healthcare:  The CMS has issued an interim final rule Monday that attempts to stop providers and organizations from steering patients eligible for Medicaid or Medicare into private insurance as a way to receive higher reimbursement rates.The rule issued Monday requires dialysis centers that help patients pay private insurance premiums either directly or through charities to clarify what plans in their region pay for and how that compares to Medicare or Medicaid.The notices must inform patients that some plans may not cover all costs typically covered by Medicare, such as necessary medical expenses for living donors.

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