OIG advisory opinion: Charity can pay some copays for low-income patients

Why This Topic Matters

The topic is relevant to health care compliance, physician referral practices, patient financial assistance programs, and charitable foundation operations. It helps readers understand the general regulatory environment surrounding third-party assistance for patients who have difficulty paying cost-sharing amounts.

Article Sections

1. OIG advisory opinion overview

   Introduces the advisory opinion and the charitable assistance arrangement being reviewed. Explains the general compliance context and the federal fraud-and-abuse concern at issue.

2. Charity assistance structure and donor framework

   Describes the proposed charity model, the patient population, and the types of information shared with donors. Covers the broad administrative features of the assistance program.

3. Not the first time

   Places the opinion in context with earlier OIG opinions involving charitable support. Summarizes how prior guidance has addressed similar assistance programs.

4. How opinion could help your patients

   Discusses the potential implications for providers and patients who may seek charitable help with cost-sharing. Covers the compliance, practice-management, and patient-referral considerations raised by the opinion.