Title
Approval of Changes to the Sliding Discount Schedule for Dental Services - Riley
Body
In August of 2018, the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center (LCHD/CHC) had a site visit by auditors from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The auditors identified that the current dental sliding fee scale was not compliant with the new HRSA compliance manual. LCHD/CHC staff worked with the auditors and the HRSA Project Officer to make changes to the dental sliding fee scale to meet the compliance manual requirements. The new schedule will use a nominal fee structure as opposed to a percent-based structure. The amount of the nominal fee varies based on type of service (preventative or all other), income, and family size. Lab/supply costs (prosthetics, repairs, night guards, etc.) will be additional charges to the patient based on LCHD/CHC costs. The attached materials provide examples of the nominal fees.
LCHD/CHC completed numerous financial and system analyses in anticipation of this change. Based on those analyses, the proposed change is projected to result in a decrease of approximately $71,790 in patient revenue if the same number of patients and procedures are performed. LCHD/CHC will monitor and compare actual revenue to budgeted revenue as part of its regular business practices. While the proposed change is expected to result in reduced revenue, it is required per HRSA compliance guidelines.
Decisions regarding the sliding fee discount schedules fall under the authority of the Governing Council, however, they also impact the health center budget and so are brought to both governing bodies for approval.
Suggested Motion
To approve the attached nominal fee structure for dental services delivered in the Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).