Allwell from Magnolia Health Providers QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries) Billing FAQ
Date: 07/20/18
Allwell from Magnolia Health Providers QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries) Billing FAQ
Allwell from Magnolia Health works to ensure that our Medicare members are never inappropriately held financially liable for the care they receive. Please take a moment to review the questions and answers below about balance billing of Medicare beneficiaries.
Q: What is balance billing?
A: Balance billing occurs when a participating provider bills a member for fees and surcharges above and beyond a member’s copayment and coinsurance responsibilities for services covered under the member’s benefit program, or for claims for such services denied by Magnolia Health Plan or the affiliated participating provider.
Q: May I balance bill my Medicare patients?
A: No. Balance billing is strictly prohibited by state and federal law and in accordance with the Allwell from Magnolia Health Provider Participation Agreement (PPA). Additionally, federal law does not allow providers to collect Medicare Parts A and B deductibles, coinsurance or copayments from members enrolled in the qualified Medicare beneficiaries (QMB) program, which exempts members from Medicare cost-sharing liability. Participating providers are also prohibited from initiating or threatening to initiate a collection action against a member for nonpayment of a claim for covered services. Participating providers agree to accept Allwell from Magnolia Health’s fee for these services as payment in full, except for applicable copayments, coinsurance or deductibles.
Q: Are there exceptions or other scenarios when I may bill my Medicare patients?
A: Participating providers may bill a member for non-covered services when the member is notified in advance that the services to be provided are not covered and the member, nonetheless, requests in writing that the services be rendered.
Q: What are the ramifications to me if I do balance bill my Medicare patients?
A: Participating provider who exhibits a pattern and practice of billing members will be contacted by Allwell from Magnolia Health and is subject to disciplinary action.
Q: Which Medicare providers are impacted by this prohibition?
A: This prohibition applies to all MA providers, not only those that accept Medicaid. In addition, these balance billing restrictions apply regardless of whether the state Medicaid agency is liable to pay the full Medicare cost-sharing amounts.
Q: Is this covered in my Participating Provider Agreement?
A: Yes. In accordance with standards established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), under the terms of the PPA, participating providers agree to hold the member harmless, and protect the member from incurring financial liabilities that are the legal obligation of a Medicare Advantage Organization (MAO) or its participating providers. In no event, including, but not limited to, nonpayment, termination, nonrenewal, insolvency, or breach of an agreement by Allwell from Magnolia Health, may the provider or any intermediary bill, charge, collect a deposit from, or receive other compensation or remuneration from a member. Participating providers cannot take any recourse against a member, or a person acting on behalf of a member, for services provided. This provision does not prohibit the following:
· Collection of applicable coinsurance, deductibles or copayments, as specified in the member’s Evidence of Coverage (EOC).
· Collection of fees for non-covered services, provided that the member was informed in advance and in writing of the cost and elected to have non-covered services rendered.
Q: Whom can I contact with questions about balance billing?
A: Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Provider Services at 1-844-786-7711 with any questions you may have.