[
Federal law prohibits Medicare providers from collecting Medicare Part A
and Medicare Part B cost-sharing (i.e., deductibles, coinsurance, or
copayments) from those enrolled in the Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB)
program. Unfortunately, in July 2015, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services (CMS) released a study indicating inappropriate balance-billing still
occurs despite the prohibition.
Therefore, we would like to remind you that when billing Independence for
services rendered for these members, you must accept our reimbursement,
according to your Agreement with Independence, as payment in full. For
enrollees who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, you may bill the
State for applicable Medicare cost-sharing.
To learn more, read the Prohibition on Balance Billing Dually Eligible Individuals
Enrolled in the QMB Program article on CMS?s website.
]