How to apply for Community Health Center Sliding Fee Discount

Who it's for

Community health centers are local clinics funded or approved by the federal Health Center Program. They offer medical, dental, mental health, and substance use care, and many have discounted pharmacies and help with rides. Every health center must lower its fees based on your income and family size. If your yearly household income is at or below the federal poverty level, your visit is free or costs only a small flat fee. If your income is between 100% and 200% of the poverty level, you pay a reduced fee on a sliding scale. Health centers must serve everyone, even people who cannot pay, and you can use one whether or not you have insurance. If you have Medicare or other insurance, the health center cannot charge you more out of pocket than the sliding fee would. Services differ from center to center, so call ahead to ask what your nearest center offers.

What you'll need

• Proof of household income (Social Security award letter, pension statements, tax return, or pay stubs) — some centers accept a signed statement of income
• The number of people in your household
• Medicare, Medicaid, or other insurance card, if you have one
• Photo ID

Where to apply

Renewals

set by each health center (most re-check income and family size about once a year)