Office of Inspector General Policy Statement Regarding Gifts of Nominal Value To Medicare and Medicaid Beneficiaries
Did you know that the Office of Inspector General (OIG) has a policy that limits gifts to Medicare and Medicaid Beneficiaries? Well, they do. It can be found at:
https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/
They do, however, allow you to give "inexpensive gifts of nominal value be permitted". They give the definition for "nominal value" as having a retail value of no more than $15 per item or $75 per year. You cannot give them a cash or gift card as those could be sold for cash. It has to be a gift within the limits given.
Effective December 7, 2016
Disclaimer: This guidance is to be used for an easy reference; the ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM code books and the Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting are the authoritative references for accurate and complete coding. This blog may contain references or links to statutes, regulations, or other policy materials. It is not intended to take the place of either the written law or regulations. The information presented herein is for general informational purposes only and is accurate as of the date of publication.
Did you know that the Office of Inspector General (OIG) has a policy that limits gifts to Medicare and Medicaid Beneficiaries? Well, they do. It can be found at:
https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/
It is against policy of the Social Security Act to give a gift that is "likely to influence the beneficiary’s selection of a particular provider, practitioner, or supplier of Medicare or Medicaid payable items or services" So you can't give out money to get a beneficiary to chose to go to your practice or to your doctor. This also means you can't waive copayments and deductibles or give them items or services for free.
They do, however, allow you to give "inexpensive gifts of nominal value be permitted". They give the definition for "nominal value" as having a retail value of no more than $15 per item or $75 per year. You cannot give them a cash or gift card as those could be sold for cash. It has to be a gift within the limits given.
Effective December 7, 2016
Disclaimer: This guidance is to be used for an easy reference; the ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM code books and the Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting are the authoritative references for accurate and complete coding. This blog may contain references or links to statutes, regulations, or other policy materials. It is not intended to take the place of either the written law or regulations. The information presented herein is for general informational purposes only and is accurate as of the date of publication.
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