Operation Buckeye Integrity
Protecting Families from Referral Fraud in Assisted Living
About the Coalition Initiative
The Buckeye Assisted Living Coalition is a group of ethical assisted living providers committed to transparency, honesty, and protecting families from referral fraud. We believe that choosing assisted living should be based on quality of care and fit, not on hidden kickbacks or misleading information.
Operation Buckeye Integrity is our commitment to transparency, ethical practices, and protecting families from referral fraud. We believe that choosing assisted living should be based on quality of care and fit, not on hidden kickbacks or misleading information.
Know Your Rights
You have the right to choose any assisted living facility without pressure from hospitals or referral agencies
You have the right to transparent pricing with no hidden fees or surprise costs
You have the right to tour facilities and ask questions before making a decision
You have the right to know if a referral source receives payment for recommending a facility
You have the right to make an informed decision based on quality of care, not financial incentives
You have the right to file complaints if you experience fraud or unethical practices
Understanding Referral Kickbacks
Referral kickbacks occur when assisted living facilities pay hospitals, discharge planners, or referral agencies to send them residents. This creates a conflict of interest that can compromise the quality of care recommendations.
When facilities pay for referrals, those costs are often passed on to families through higher fees or reduced care quality. More importantly, you may be steered to a facility that isn't the best fit for your loved one's needs.
Warning Signs of Referral Fraud
A hospital or discharge planner strongly pushes one specific facility
You're told you must choose from a limited list of 'approved' facilities
A referral agency seems more interested in closing a deal than understanding your needs
You're pressured to make a quick decision without time to research
A facility offers 'special deals' or 'incentives' that seem too good to be true
You're not allowed to tour facilities or ask questions before deciding
Questions to Ask
Questions for Hospitals/Discharge Planners
- •Do you receive any payment, commission, or incentive from the facilities you recommend?
- •Can you provide me with a list of all licensed facilities in the area, not just a few?
- •What criteria do you use to recommend facilities?
- •Can I have time to research and tour facilities before making a decision?
- •Are there any facilities you're required to recommend or avoid recommending?
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Questions for Referral Agencies
- •How do you make money? Do facilities pay you for referrals?
- •What percentage of your revenue comes from facility payments versus family fees?
- •Can you show me your fee structure in writing?
- •Do you have any financial relationships with the facilities you recommend?
- •What happens if I choose a facility that doesn't pay you a referral fee?
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Questions for Assisted Living Facilities
- •Do you pay referral fees or commissions to hospitals, discharge planners, or referral agencies?
- •What is your complete fee structure? Are there any hidden costs?
- •Can I see your state licensing and inspection reports?
- •What is your staff-to-resident ratio?
- •How do you handle complaints or concerns from families?
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Coalition Commitments
We do not pay referral kickbacks to hospitals, discharge planners, or referral agencies
We provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees
We encourage families to tour multiple facilities and make informed decisions
We support families' right to choose based on quality of care, not financial incentives
We maintain the highest ethical standards in all our business practices
We educate families about their rights and help them recognize fraud
Learn About Services & Pricing
Transparent Pricing
Get clear, upfront details on costs with no hidden fees. All participating homes provide transparent pricing information during tours.
Payment Options
Learn about ALTCS (Arizona Long Term Care System) coverage and private pay options. Our homes accept both payment methods.
What to Look For When Choosing a Home
- •Quality of Care: Ask about staff-to-resident ratios, training, and care plans.
- •Transparency: Look for clear pricing, no hidden fees, and honest communication.
- •Specialized Care: Ensure the home has experience with Alzheimer's, dementia, and memory care if needed.
- •Environment: Tour the facility, observe cleanliness, safety features, and resident comfort.
- •No Referral Kickbacks: Choose homes that don't pay referral fees—this ensures recommendations are based on fit, not profit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a referral kickback?
Are referral kickbacks illegal?
How can I protect myself from referral fraud?
What should I do if I suspect fraud?
Why is the Buckeye Assisted Living Coalition important?
Have Questions About Referral Fraud?
Contact the Buckeye Assisted Living Coalition to learn more about protecting your rights.