Medicare, surety bonds, and outside prescriptions

[finefocus]

My employer, an incorporated medical practice, has informed me that we will not fill eyeglass prescriptions from other refractionists. This is because we have no Surety Bond (a $6K expense, I'm told) to cover these transactions. Why is this an issue? Because Medicare says so.

I'm very confused. I just turned away another old customer with an Rx from another MD. This patient does not have Medicare, Medicare would not be involved in any way, and yet Medicare is the reason I can't fill her Rx.

Does any of this ring any bells with anyone? I don't get it.

[Geirskogul]

Medicare rules > other rules. Why do you think we need an ABN signed for everyone over 65 even if they don't have Medicare? Because they COULD be ELIGIBLE for Medicare SOMEDAY. That's why.

I hate Medicare.

[finefocus]

Medicare rules > other rules. Why do you think we need an ABN signed for everyone over 65 even if they don't have Medicare? Because they COULD be ELIGIBLE for Medicare SOMEDAY. That's why.

I hate Medicare.

Thanks for the answer, I think.
Let's get together for a good single malt and a dartboard with Medicare written all over it.