The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a policy statement regarding gifts of nominal value to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. Under the statute prohibiting self-referral by physicians, referred to as the Stark Law, physicians are prohibited from providing Medicare or Medicaid beneficiaries any remuneration that may influence the beneficiary's choice of medical provider or supplier with the exception of gifts of nominal value. The OIG originally defined "nominal value" as no more than $10 per item or $50 in the aggregate on an annual basis, but more recently adjusted their interpretation to $15 per item and $75 in the aggregate. The Inspector General will continue to observe the thresholds and make future adjustments as needed. Read the full statement here.

Keywords: Medicaid, Medicare, United States Dept. of Health and Human Services

< Back to Listings