Title
Sliding Fee Schedule of Discounts Governing Council - February 2026 - Cooper
Body
The Department of Health and Human Services has updated the federal poverty guidelines for 2026. Per the guidelines, Physical Health (FQHC) operations are required to offer services for individuals and families with annual income greater than 100% and up to and including 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. The Medical, Dental, and Mental Health programs within Physical Health that are part of the FQHC must comply with section 330(k) (3)(G) of the Public Health Services Act. A nominal fee or flat rate based on poverty levels for dental, medical, and laboratory services was previously approved by the Governing Council. Given the changes in the federal poverty guidelines, we are requesting to update our sliding fee scale, effective April 1, 2026.
Under the Illinois Family Planning Program services code, 77 Illinois Admin Code 635, the Family Planning Program requires a schedule of discounts for income levels up to 250% of the federal poverty guidelines, with 5-8 breakpoints. These discounts have been applied in 20% proportionate increments. The requested change in federal poverty guidelines for the Family Planning program is proposed to go in effect on July 1, 2026.
Suggested Motion
To adopt the updated Department of Health and Human Services federal poverty guidelines for the sliding fee scales used in Medical, Family Planning, Behavioral Health and Dental services within the FQHC - Physical Health as of April 1, 2026, and July 1, 2026 as recommended.