We Offer Provider Training and Resources
The Office of Victim Compensation Services extends its gratitude to the law enforcement officers, court advocates, medical professionals and other direct service providers who help victims of violent crime learn about the resources available through the state's Victim Compensation and Rape Victim Assistance programs.
Our team is here to answer questions and provide training and other support to your staff.
Call Us: (800) 826-6200
Billing FAQs
Who should medical providers bill?
State law requires service providers who conduct a forensic medical exam to bill the Rape Victim Assistance Program directly. Please refrain from billing the victim or the victim’s personal insurance, Medicaid, Medicare or any other collateral source for the examination.
Send requests for payment to:
North Carolina Department of Public Safety
Office of Victim Compensation Services
4232 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-4232
What information is a provider required to share about the Office of Victim Compensation Services during a forensic exam?
State law requires a medical facility or provider to tell the victim they can submit an application for reimbursement of medical expenses beyond the cost of the forensic examination to the Office of Victim Compensation Services. Victim application resources are available at ncdps.gov/4victims or by calling (800) 826-6200.
Does the Rape Victim program cover all hospital and physician expenses?
The program is only authorized to cover the expenses related to the forensic exam. State law requires a medical facility or provider to encourage the victim to submit an application for reimbursement of additional medical expenses to the Office of Victim Compensation Services.
What does the program pay to providers?
Medical facilities and medical professionals who perform forensic medical examinations shall do so using a Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit. Program payments for the forensic medical examination shall be limited to the following:
| Service | Maximum Amount Paid by Program |
|---|---|
| Hospital/facility fee | $500 |
| Other expenses deemed eligible by the program | $400 |
| Physician or SANE nurse | $600 |
| Total | $1500 |
- Payment directly to provider. The program shall make payment directly to the medical facility or medical professional. Bills submitted to the program for payment shall specify under which categories of expense set forth in subsection (d) of this section the billed services fall.
- Additional victim notification requirements. A medical facility or medical professional who performs a forensic medical examination shall encourage victims to submit an application for reimbursement of medical expenses beyond the forensic examination to the Crime Victims Compensation Commission for consideration of those expenses. Medical facilities and medical professional shall not seek reimbursement for the program after one year from the date of the exam.
How can providers confirm the status of a claimant's application?
Providers can contact our office directly to ask if a letter of determination has been mailed to the claimant.
What financial support is available?
Victim Compensation Services may provide financial assistance to people who suffer medical expenses and lost wages as a result of being an innocent victim of a violent crime committed in North Carolina.
- Up to $45,000 for victims of violent crime
- Up to $10,000 for burial and funeral expenses for homicide victims
Who is eligible?
Victims of violent crime who answer YES to the following questions may be eligible for financial assistance. Victims do not need to be residents of North Carolina.
- Did the crime occur in North Carolina?
- Was it reported within 72 hours?
- Did the victim sustain a direct injury – physical or psychological?
- Did the victim lose income or face expenses for eligible services in the first year after the crime?
- Was the victim NOT committing a crime at the time of injury?
What types of expenses are eligible?
| Eligible | Not Eligible |
|---|---|
| Medical Counseling Dental or orthodontic Lost wages Domestic violence loss of household support Burial and funeral expenses Crime scene cleanup | Property damage or loss Replacement of property taken as evidence Court fees and expenses Pain and suffering Utilities Mortgage or rent Travel |
What paperwork must be submitted to support a claim?
- Medical and counseling services
Victims may submit itemized bills from certified providers of medical or counseling services. - Lost wages
Applicants may submit proof of gainful employment at the time of the crime, along with a physician's note that states the first and last dates the injured person was unable to work. If the applicant reports income as cash, a tax return must be submitted. - Loss of household support due to domestic violence
Unemployed victims who are married to the offender and who have dependent children may submit a law enforcement report and third-party confirmation of eligible children. - Funeral expenses
Applicants must submit a copy of the death certificate, itemized funeral bill and the law enforcement report. If the case is approved, our office will contact the funeral home to verify the balance. If the expenses have not been paid, the payment will be made directly to the funeral home. - Crime scene cleanup
Victims must submit an itemized bill from a certified biohazard cleanup company. Services may include repair or replacement of doors, locks and windows, as well as cleanup of blood stains. - Dental services
Applicants may submit a proposed treatment plan on a dentist’s letterhead. The plan must list the services to be provided and the date services will be completed. Treatment must be completed within one year of the crime, and the provider must submit an itemized bill first to the patient’s insurance.
Do providers need to submit bills to insurers first?
Yes. Like other compensation programs, North Carolina is a payer of last resort, meaning victims should first submit expenses to private or public insurance companies.
If the case is approved, how are doctors, funeral homes and other services providers paid?
A financial examiner will contact the provider to request a payment history that indicates the total bill, amounts already paid by the claimant, amounts paid by insurance and the balance due.
The Office of Victim Compensation Services will send payment directly to the provider. If a victim already has paid an expense, such as a co-pay, reimbursement for that expense will go directly to the victim.
Allowable expenses for medical care, counseling, rehabilitation and other services shall be limited to 66 2/3 percent of the amount usually charged by the provider for the treatment or care. By accepting the compensation paid, the provider agrees that the compensation is payment in full and cannot charge or otherwise hold a claimant financially responsible for the cost of services in addition to the amount of allowable expense.
What happens after an application is submitted?
From the time an application is received, the average processing time is between three to six months. When the claim is approved, payments will be sent directly to medical providers, or, if a victim has already paid bills – for example, prescription copays – our office will repay the victim directly. If a claim is denied, applicants will have 60 days to appeal the decision with the Administrative Office of the Courts.
Do applicants have credit protection while their claim is processed?
Yes. State law protects applicants from being reported to collection agencies while their claim is under review.