Billing Policy: Waivers and Discounts

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) has received numerous inquiries regarding its policy on a participating provider’s ability to waive member cost-sharing amounts or to offer discounts. The following is BCBSND’s policy regarding these issues. Waiver of cost-sharing amounts: Per the Provider Group Participation Agreement, a provider must not waive or reduce any member’s cost-sharing amounts, including coinsurance, co-payment and deductible amounts. The provider is expected to bill the member for cost-sharing amounts and non-covered services identified as billable by BCBSND. This policy shall not prohibit the provider from accepting a lesser amount per their hardship and/or collection policies.

Source: https://bb.thor.org/bulletinboard/ViewFile.aspx?param=Bulletins%5CHealthCare_News%5CBCBSND_Bulletin_394_May_2017%5CBCBSND_Bulletin_394_May_20171.pdf