§ 254g. Charges for services by entities using Corps members
(a)
Availability of services regardless of ability to pay or payment source
An entity to which a Corps member is assigned shall not deny requested health care services, and shall not discriminate in the provision of services to an individual—
(b)
Charges for services
The following rules shall apply to charges for health care services provided by an entity to which a Corps member is assigned:
(1)
In general
(A)
Schedule of fees or payments
Except as provided in paragraph (2), the entity shall prepare a schedule of fees or payments for the entity’s services, consistent with locally prevailing rates or charges and designed to cover the entity’s reasonable cost of operation.
(B)
Schedule of discounts
Except as provided in paragraph (2), the entity shall prepare a corresponding schedule of discounts (including, in appropriate cases, waivers) to be applied to the payment of such fees or payments. In preparing the schedule, the entity shall adjust the discounts on the basis of a patient’s ability to pay.
(2)
Services to beneficiaries of Federal and federally assisted programs
In the case of health care services furnished to an individual who is a beneficiary of a program listed in subsection (a)(2) of this section, the entity—
(A)
shall accept an assignment pursuant to section 1842(b)(3)(B)(ii) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395u
(b)(3)(B)(ii)) with respect to an individual who is a beneficiary under the medicare program; and
(3)
Collection of payments
The entity shall take reasonable and appropriate steps to collect all payments due for health care services provided by the entity, including payments from any third party (including a Federal, State, or local government agency and any other third party) that is responsible for part or all of the charge for such services.