Sliding Scale Policy
In accordance with 330(e) funding requirements and National Health Service Corp requirements, MCHC offers its qualifying patients a sliding fee discount schedule (SFDS). Qualification is based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG), published annually in the Federal Register.
Patients will be charged for MEDICAL, BEHAVIORAL and OPTOMETRY services, including ancillary services like lab and x-ray, in accordance with the following:
100% or below Federal Poverty Guidelines-(0%) $25.00 per visit
101%-125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines- (25%) $35.00 per visit
126%-150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines-(50%) $50.00 per visit
151%-200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines- (75%) $75.00 per visit
200% ABOVE Federal Poverty Guidelines- 100% of charge per visit
PATIENT QUALIFICATIONS FOR SFDS
In order to qualify for the SFDS, patients must present proof of income to MCHC registration personnel. Eligibility for discounts will be based solely on income and household/family size.
Patients will be granted a ONE visit exclusion from providing proof by providing self-attestation of income.
However, for any subsequent visit, without proof of income, the patient will be considered to fall within the “above 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines” and billed at 100% of the charge. The SDFS will be valid for one (1) year from the date proof of income is provided.
Patients will not be required to apply for insurance and be turned down as a prerequisite for eligibility for the SFDS. Insured patients who are eligible for SFDS will be charged no more than the amount they would have owed under the SFDS based upon their pay class, subject to any contractual or other legal restrictions.
OPTOMETRY
Optometry visits (examinations) will be treated under the Medical/Optometry/Behavioral Sliding Scale Guidelines.
Glasses will be eligible for an additional sliding scale charge based upon the same Federal Poverty Guidelines. Patients will be offered a selection of standard frames and lenses at the following SFDS charge:
100% or below Federal Poverty Guidelines-(0%) $25.00
101%-125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines-(25%) $35.00
126%-150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines-(50%) $50.00
151%-200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines-((75%) $75.00
200% ABOVE Federal Poverty Guidelines- pay full charge
(If the patient selects a premium frame or lens, the patient will be charged an additional cost).
Patients will not be refused treatment due to their inability to pay. Patients who are unable to pay their fees incurred for services or items received may apply for Budget Plan/Pay Agreement or speak with an MCHC representative about requesting a hardship determination to waive or reduce fees.