Over the next few pages, individual screen examples will display the different specific entry details required for each of the following circumstances:
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when repayment has already been made (money in as a lump sum);
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when repayment is yet to be negotiated;
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where lump sum offsetting has been agreed; and
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where periodic offsetting has been agreed.
The 'CORA' screen when repayment has already been made
The 'CORA' screen will reflect that an overpayment did exist for which money has already been received from the debtor in repayment. 'Recovery amount', 'Recovery reason' and comments must be entered, providing users with a clear idea of:
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how the overpayment occurred;
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the scheme of arrangement of recovery; and
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when repayment was made.
However, until Comcare's Financial Services area receipts the cheque and records details of the cheque on the system, the recovery account remains active. This administrative process cannot be avoided. Therefore, comments in this case also provide another important message: that recovery has been completed, and while the status of the account still shows as 'active', for the purposes of the debt, it is a closed account.
When audit and other reporting relating to quality checks are undertaken, the comments on this account will indicate the actual status of the account.
The 'CORA' screen when repayment is yet to be negotiated
Again, comments indicate the current status of the account and the stage of negotiations with the debtor.
As scheme of arrangement details are not yet recorded, the account status will be 'inactive'.
Once negotiations have occurred and repayment details are known, these will then need to be entered using the 'AORA' (Amend Overpayment Recovery Account) function.
The 'CORA' screen where lump sum offsetting agreed
Contact may occasionally be initiated by the provider for repayment of a discovered overpayment. At this time, it is an excellent opportunity to discuss a scheme of arrangement (in most cases, the provider is able to repay all amounts through the 'money in' arrangement).
However, where it is clear the provider will be receiving money from Comcare in future, the option to offset the overpaid amount against a future payment is possible. This is Comcare's most preferred repayment method as they are assured of money being repaid in an administratively straightforward and efficient way.
The screen example displays comments relating to how repayment has been agreed, and 'Offset Recovery Details' have been entered ('L' for lump sum). Prior to the next cheque being issued by PRACSYS, automatic deduction of the amount of the overpayment will be effected, and the cheque being issued will be less the $5,000 amount.
The 'CORA' screen where periodic offsetting agreed
Occasionally, smaller providers with large overpayments will be provided with the option to repay money using the periodic offsetting option.
As with the previous screen displays, comments are entered which clearly indicate the scheme of arrangement that has been agreed. The 'Recovery Type' is set to 'O' (offset) and specific recovery details are entered that identify the offsetting arrangement to be both periodic and at $1,000 per repayment.
Prior to the next cheque being issued to the provider by PRACSYS, automatic deduction of the agreed periodic amount will be effected, and the cheque being issued will be less $1,000. This will continue until the debt is completely repaid. Where the final periodic repayment is less than the $1,000 specified, the lesser amount, constituting the balance of the overpayment, will automatically be deducted.