NC S137

Prohibits providers with permits under G.S. 90-85.21 or 90-85.21A from waiving Medicaid and Health Choice co-payments as a regular business practice to induce recipients to purchase items or services.

Any waiver of co-payments, regardless of amount, constitutes a violation for enforcement purposes unless it falls within specified exceptions.

Permits co-payment waivers when authorized by program rules, when collection would create substantial financial hardship on an individual basis (if not a regular practice), when good-faith collection efforts fail, or for state-regulated health care facilities and state-operated providers.

Violations result in suspension or termination of the provider's participation in Medicaid and Health Choice programs by the Department.

Effective October 1, 2013, and applies to acts committed on or after that date.