Donald Devine exposes how the federal government discourages doctors from providing charity care. If a doctor bills a patient less than the doctor would bill Medicare/Medicaid for the same treatment, the government will accuse the doctor of fraud. Thus, doctors are understandably reluctant to reduce their fees for lower-income patients.

Rubbing salt in the wound, doctors are forced to hire additional staff (and thus increase the amount they charge patients) solely to ensure they are in compliance with federal rules and regulations.

Cross-Posted at Free for All, the Free Liberal Blog.