What liability applies if a medical provider collects money from an applicant after a claim form is filed?

• A. Three times the amount collected
• B. Two times the amount collected
• C. One time the amount collected
• D. No liability

Answer: (A)

When a claim form is filed, any attempt by a medical provider to collect money directly from the applicant is treated as improper collection. The rule imposes treble damages: the provider must repay three times the amount collected. This threefold penalty is meant to deter post-claim billing and protect the claimant during the claims process. Other options don’t fit because they don’t reflect this treble-damages penalty or the prohibition on collecting after filing.