According to the Affordable Care Act, overpayments must be repaid within what timeframe?

Under the Affordable Care Act, healthcare providers are required to return overpayments within a specific timeframe to ensure compliance with federal regulations. The correct answer is 60 days. This requirement is significant because it mandates that once a provider identifies an overpayment, they must take prompt action to rectify the situation and repay the excess funds within that two-month period.

This timeframe promotes accountability and helps prevent fraud by ensuring that overpayments are addressed in a timely manner. Furthermore, failing to report and return overpayments within 60 days could lead to potential legal issues, including liability under the False Claims Act. Providers must be vigilant in their billing and auditing processes to stay compliant with this regulation and avoid financial penalties or legal repercussions.