C. Wards

The law contemplates that Medicare patients should not be assigned to ward accommodations except at the patient’s request or for a reason consistent with the purposes of the health insurance program.

When ward accommodations are furnished at the patient’s request or for a reason determined to be consistent with the program’s purposes, payment is based on the average per diem cost of routine services (see A. above). Where ward accommodations are assigned for other reasons, the law provides what may be a substantial penalty. (See 2. below.)