§9-2-10. Collection of copayments by health care providers; penalties.

(a) The secretary is directed to institute a program by January 1, 1994, which requires the payment and collection of copayments. Such program shall conform with Section 447.53, Chapter 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and the amount of such copayments shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of Sections 447.54 and 447.55, Chapter 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The secretary shall complete all federal requirements necessary to implement this section, including the submission of any amendment to the state Medicaid plan, immediately following the effective date of this section.

(b) Any individual or entity receiving reimbursement from this state under the medical assistance program of the Social Security Act is required to collect such copayments: Provided, That in accordance with Section 447.15, Chapter 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations, no such individual or entity shall refuse care or services to any Medicaid-eligible individual because that individual is unable to pay such copayment. The amount of copayments collected shall be reported to the secretary.

(c) After February 1, 1994, any person, firm, corporation or other entity who willfully, by means of a false statement or representation, or by concealment of any material fact, or by other fraudulent scheme, device or artifice on behalf of himself, itself or others, fails to attempt to collect copayments as required by this section, shall be liable for payment of a civil money penalty in the amount of $100 for each occurrence of willful failure to collect a required copayment.

(d) If it comes to the attention of the secretary that a person or other entity is failing to attempt to collect copayments as mandated, the matter shall be referred to the Medicaid fraud control unit for investigation and referral for prosecution pursuant to the provisions of article seven of this chapter.