42 U.S.C. § 254g: Charges for services by entities using Corps members

because the individual is unable to pay for the services; or the medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.); the medicaid program under title XIX of such Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.); or the State children’s health insurance program under title XXI of such Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1397aa et seq.). Except as provided in paragraph (2), the entity shall prepare a schedule of fees or payments for the entity’s services, consistent with locally prevailing rates or charges and designed to cover the entity’s reasonable cost of operation. Except as provided in paragraph (2), the entity shall prepare a corresponding schedule of discounts (including, in appropriate cases, waivers) to be applied to the payment of such fees or payments. In preparing the schedule, the entity shall adjust the discounts on the basis of a patient’s ability to pay. The entity shall make every reasonable effort to secure from patients fees and payments for services in accordance with such schedules, and fees or payments shall be sufficiently discounted in accordance with the schedule described in subparagraph (B). shall accept an assignment pursuant to section 1842(b)(3)(B)(ii) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395u(b)(3)(B)(ii) ) with respect to an individual who is a beneficiary under the medicare program; and the State agency administering the program under title XIX of such Act [ 42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.] with respect to an individual who is a beneficiary under the medicaid program; and the State agency administering the program under title XXI of such Act [ 42 U.S.C. 1397aa et seq.] with respect to an individual who is a beneficiary under the State children’s health insurance program. The entity shall take reasonable and appropriate steps to collect all payments due for health care services provided by the entity, including payments from any third party (including a Federal, State, or local government agency and any other third party) that is responsible for part or all of the charge for such services.