124.507—Written determinations of eligibility.
(a)
Determinations of eligibility must be in writing, be made in accordance with this section, and a copy of the determination must be provided to the applicant promptly.
(b) Content of determinations—
(1) Favorable determinations.
A determination that an applicant is eligible must indicate:
(i)
That the facility will provide uncompensated services at no charge or at a specified charge less than the allowable credit for the services;
(2) Conditional determinations.
(i)
As a condition to providing uncompensated services, a facility may:
(A)
Require the applicant to furnish any information that is reasonably necessary to substantiate eligibility; and
(B)
Require the applicant to apply for any benefits under third party insurer or governmental programs to which he/she is or could be entitled upon proper application.
(iii)
When a facility determines that the condition(s) upon which a conditional determination was made has been met, or will not be met, it shall make a favorable determination or denial on the request, as appropriate, in accordance with this section.
(3) Denials.
A facility must provide to each applicant denied the uncompensated services requested, in whole or in part, a dated statement of the reasons for the denial.
(c) Timing of determinations—
(1) Preservice determinations.
Facilities other than nursing homes shall make a determination of eligibility within two working days following a request for uncompensated services which is made before receipt of outpatient services or before discharge for inpatient services;
(ii)
Nursing homes shall make a determination of eligibility within ten working days, but no later than two working days following the date of admission, following a request for uncompensated services made prior to admission.
(2) Postservice determinations.
All facilities shall make a determination of eligibility not later than the end of the first full billing cycle following a request for uncompensated services which is made after receipt of outpatient services, discharge for inpatient services, or admission for nursing home services.
[52 FR 46031, Dec. 3, 1987; 52 FR 48362, Dec. 21, 1987]