Final answer:
When a Medicare RAC demands repayment for accounts, it is not mandatory to pay within 10 days nor advisable to do nothing. Review the claim, repay if correct or contest it, and if unable to pay, communicate with the RAC potentially proposing a repayment plan, seeking professional advice if needed.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a Medicare Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) sends you a letter demanding repayment of $1,500 for accounts, you do not need to repay the RAC within 10 days. However, simply doing nothing is not advisable as Medicare may then take steps to recoup the money, which could include offsetting future Medicare payments to you or taking legal action. You should carefully review the details of the overpayment claim and consider either repaying the amount if it is correct or contesting it if you believe it is not. If you cannot pay at that moment, you should document and communicate this to the RAC, explaining your reasons and possibly proposing a repayment plan if necessary. Ultimately, you should seek legal or professional guidance to ensure proper handling of the situation. Not addressing the overpayment could lead to additional fines or sanctions.