Waiver of Deductible/Coinsurance/Copayment

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) strongly recommends the collection of copayments at the time of service. BCBSNE does not permit waiver of cost sharing apart from demonstrated financial hardship. The routine waiver of deductible/coinsurance/copayment may represent a breach of contract with BCBSNE.

Routine waiver of deductible/coinsurance/copayment is unlawful because it results in the potential for false claims, violations of the anti-kickback statute and excessive utilization of items and services. In addition to being unlawful, waiver discourages patients from using health care services responsibly by removing the economic obligation of receiving care, which in turn indirectly raises the cost of health care to others.