Billing Questions
Q: How do I qualify for a discount on services at the Community Health Center?
A: The Community Health Center charges on a sliding scale based according to gross income and number of family members. At your first appointment, you will complete a billing form and bring income verification with you. Examples of verification include:
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Paycheck stubs.
- W2 or 1040 Federal Tax Return.
- Notice of action from food stamps.
Q: What is sliding fee scale?
- A discounted fee per service.
- Minimum fee per visit is $15 for medical and $35 for dental and is expected on the day of service.
- The discounted is based on household size and income.
- The fees are then based on the ability to pay, at either 0, 20, 40, 60, or 80 percent of standard patient fees.
- The remaining amount of fee is covered by a grant by Public Health Service.
- Your income must be checked on a 6 month basis after the first visit.
- All services completed at the clinic can be received on the sliding fee scale.
Q: What are the discount guidelines?
A: The Community Health Center sliding fee schedule is based on the federal government’s poverty guidelines which are updated annually. Examples of who could qualify for the discount include:
- A family of four earning $26,500 annually would receive an 80 percent discount on services and be responsible for 20 percent of the charges.
- A family of three earning $26,400 annually would receive a 40 percent discount on services and be responsible for 60 percent of the charges.
- One person earning $20,800 annually would not receive a discount and be responsible for 100 percent of the charges.
Q: What types of payment does the clinic accept?
A: The Community Health Center accepts Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program), and private insurance.
Q: Is the Community Health Center a free clinic?
A: No, The Community Health Center expects payment for all services provided. The clinic requires a co-pay if you are uninsured. The co-pay is expected at time of service and is $15 for the medical clinic and $35 in the dental clinic. Any balance remaining after your co-pay is your responsibility. The Community Health Center will work with you to set up payment arrangements.
Q: How is billing done?
- You must pay for the charges under your family’s name.
- The clinic will take care of Medicare, Medicaid, and Title 10 forms for you but the fees not covered must be paid by the patient.
- Each time you visit a $15 payment must be given.
- You will be billed each month and a monthly payment on your bill is expected to keep your account in good standing.
- Questions about billing can be answered by calling 367-8770.
- Special arrangements can be made under extreme situations.
- Call the above number to set up an arrangement that will work for both you and the clinic.
