In a new advisory, the OIG addressed the use of gift cards to incentivize patients to utilize health care services.
Even though gift cards have been discussed previously in various OIG guidance over the years, this Advisory Opinion together with the OIG’s guidance around the new Safe Harbor is the first time the OIG has taken the position that gift cards to “big-box” retailers are identified as impermissible “cash or cash equivalent” incentives under the CMP Law.
Source: OIG Issues New Guidance Regarding Big-Box Store Gift Cards as Patient Incentives