Title
Analysis of the School-Based Health Center Sliding Fee - Riley
Body
To comply with Heath Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) requirements, the School-based Health Center (SBHC) must utilize the same sliding fee schedule of discounts for Medical, Behavioral Health, and Family Planning services as is currently utilized at all LCHD/CHC FQHCs. Implementation of this required change was approved by the Governing Council at its August 10, 2021, meeting. Over the past six weeks a review was conducted to determine the number of patients uninsured for any service received at the SBHC. Only 4% were uninsured, and 11 of the 19 patient visits were for students aged 19 years and under. Two of those patients waived their Medicaid coverages because we are out-of-network for their Medicaid insurance but they are going to return with proof of income to utilize the sliding fee. All family planning visits for students were a zero charge because their income falls below 100% of the poverty level and their fees are covered by the Family Planning grant. One student was over 200% of poverty and will be charged the full fee. Our recommendation is to continue to encourage all private pay patients to apply for a sliding fee discount and, if this reduced amount is an issue, we will assist them by completing a hardship application.
Suggested Motion
None, for information only.