The MassHealth patients were charged fees as high as $325 for an initial visit, and $150 to $200 for subsequent visits, Healey’s office said, even though they should not have been charged anything. Providers are required by law to only accept payments from MassHealth for services to the plan’s members, according to Healey’s office.
The cash-paying patients also were allowed to skip addiction therapy sessions, and only meet with a doctor once per month, as opposed to MassHealth patients who were required to attend weekly therapy sessions and meet twice a month with a doctor, according to the lawsuit.
“We allege this treatment center knowingly took advantage of patients by forcing them to pay exorbitant and unnecessary fees for opiate addiction services,” Healey said in a statement. “Comprehensive and affordable treatment is critical for those struggling with addiction.”
The cash-paying patients also were allowed to skip addiction therapy sessions, and only meet with a doctor once per month, as opposed to MassHealth patients who were required to attend weekly therapy sessions and meet twice a month with a doctor, according to the lawsuit.
“We allege this treatment center knowingly took advantage of patients by forcing them to pay exorbitant and unnecessary fees for opiate addiction services,” Healey said in a statement. “Comprehensive and affordable treatment is critical for those struggling with addiction.”
http://www.bostonherald.com/business/healthcare/2015/04/ag_sues_drug_treatment_center_for_charging_cash_for_services_covered_by
AG sues drug treatment center for charging cash for services covered by insurance
Insured patients charged cash for services
Thursday, April 23, 2015
By: O’Ryan Johnson
Boston Herald
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