Sliding Scale Info

What is the Sliding Fee Discount Program? 

The Sliding Fee Discount Program is a federal program that allows Sixteenth Street to discount our normal charges for health care services we provide. The Sliding Fee Discount Program is available to all patients regardless of immigration or insurance status. Sixteenth Street will never deny health care based on the patients’ ability to pay.

Who can apply for the Sliding Fee Discount Program? 

Anyone is welcome to apply for the Sliding Fee Discount Program. All patients without insurance MUST be evaluated for the Sliding Fee Discount Program. If you refuse to be evaluated and provide the required documentation, you cannot receive a discount under the Sliding Fee Scale.

Approval for the program is based on family size and combined household income in accordance with the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

If you’re eligible for other assistance programs such as Medicaid, we’ll assist you in applying for these programs in addition to the Sliding Fee Discount Program.

How is eligibility for the Sliding Fee Discount Program determined?
Eligibility is based on the family size and combined household income. You must show proof of income from the last 30 days for all family members living in your household. If you do not provide proof of income or you do not qualify based on your income and family size, you will have to pay the full charges for your services.

How do I apply for the Sliding Fee Discount Program?
You must meet with a Financial Counselor to apply for the Sliding Fee Discount Program. You can schedule an appointment at any of our front desks or you can call 414-672-1353 (option 3) and schedule an appointment.

Are appointments required or can I just walk in? 

Appointments are encouraged to reduce waiting times to speak with the Financial Counselor. If you would like you may walk in and speak to a Financial Counselor at any of our locations, Monday – Friday between the hours of 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

You can schedule an appointment by contacting Patient Financial Services at 414-672-1353 Option 3.

What type of documents do I need to bring to apply for the Sliding Fee Program? 

You will need to bring in proof of income (last 30 days) for all family members living in the household. You will also need to fill out the “SSCHC Patient Information Form.”

What can be used as proof of income? 

The following documents are acceptable to bring for evaluation of the sliding fee. This is required for all members of a household (not including roommates/non-family members) and will be used to figure how much of a discount you will receive.

• Prior year income tax return or W-2
• Check stubs from the 4 weekly or 2 biweekly pay periods preceding the application
• Un-employment check(s)
• Social Security (SSI) checks or statements
• Pension checks
• Alimony, child support, etc.
• Attestation of income by employer
• Bank statements to verify any direct deposits

Who is considered “family” in regards to determining the number of dependents for the Sliding Fee Discount Program? 

Family size is defined as Mother, Father, Children, Significant Other, Husband, Wife and any dependent adult or child who is supported by the family unit and benefits from the combined household income. Roommates DO NOT qualify as ‘Family’.  Unborn children are not included in the calculation of family size.

• Children up to 18 years old, living at home, qualify as a dependent and their income will not count toward the families’ income
• Children 18-21 years old, who are in college and still live at home, will qualify as a dependent their income will not count toward the families’ income
• Children over 18 years old, not in school and are working, will be considered on their own income and will not count as a dependent
• Elderly parents living with their grown children, who do not have any type of Social Security, pension, or income count as a dependent.

Is my lab work covered under the Sliding Fee Discount Program?

All patients who are approved for the Sliding Fee Discount Program at the time of lab service will have their labs covered at no cost to the patient.

Are my medications covered under the Sliding Fee Discount Program?

Patients without any insurance who have been approved for the Sliding Fee Discount Program may be able to receive a help paying for prescription medicines through Sixteenth Street’s 340B drug pricing program. This program is only available at pharmacies that work with Sixteenth Street. If you are approved for the Sliding Fee Discount Program and are also eligible for help with your prescription medicine, you will be given a list of pharmacies that accept our discount.

Any patient with third party insurance, whether a drug benefit exists or not, are NOT eligible for this program.

When is my sliding fee scale effective?

The sliding fee is active the same day as you are approved.

When does my Sliding Fee Discount expire? 

The sliding fee is active for 1 year from the approval date.

You must re-apply prior to expiration date in order to continue being covered under the Sliding Fee Discount Program. If you do not re-apply before your expiration date, you may have to pay any charges for services that happened during that period after the expiration date until you re-enroll.

What services does the Sliding Fee Discount Program cover?

The sliding fee scale applies only to those services provided directly by or controlled by Sixteenth Street. Services provided under referral are NOT covered by the Sixteenth Street Sliding Fee Program.

Some examples of services that are covered are: medical visits, behavioral health visits, alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA) services, and physical therapy.

I do not want to provide my financial information. Am I still eligible for the Sliding Fee Discount Program? 

Eligibility for the Sliding Fee Discount Program is based on your income and family size. If you choose not to provide Sixteenth Street with this information, you will be responsible for the total charges of services rendered.

How often do I need to apply for the Sliding Fee Discount Program? 

You must apply every year. You may re-apply sooner than one year if there is a change in your current household size or income.

How much will I pay if I am approved for the Sliding Fee Discount Program? 

The charge for your visit depends on your income, family size, and the type of service you received. When you are approved for the Sliding Fee Discount Program you will receive a card as well as a handout that details your financial responsibility for services rendered. Payments are due at the time of service.

I cannot pay my bill from the clinic. What should I do? 

Contact Patient Financial Services as soon as possible, 414-672-1353 Option 3, and speak with a Financial Counselor. They will help you explore other options to assist you in paying your balance. Sixteenth Street will never deny health care due to a patient’s inability to pay for the services.

Parkway Clinic
2906 S. 20th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53215

Chavez Clinic
1032 S. Cesar E. Chavez Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53204