Fees and Insurance

Anyone, from anywhere, can come to The Lakes. We accept insurance and the uninsured are billed based on their ability to pay. This “Sliding Fee Scale” is a big part of what makes a community health center unique.

A Sliding Fee Scale is a tool that we use to determine how much you can afford to pay. This “Slide” is based primarily on your monthly income. We use the Federal Poverty Level Guidelines (FPL) to determine a family’s income level. The less money a family makes, the bigger the discount. For example, in 2009, a family of 2 that makes less than $2,400 per month could pay less than full cost for services.

The Slide is applied to your bill if you are uninsured, have gone through the application process and been approved. Our staff is here to help with any questions you may have about the Sliding Fee Scale. Please don’t hesitate to ask or to request a time to speak with one of our Benefit Counselors.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Sliding Fee Scale

What if I already have insurance?

You may still want to apply for the Sliding Fee Scale for services not covered by your insurance or for people in the household not covered by insurance. Copays cannot be adjusted.

What do I need to do to apply for the Sliding Fee Scale?

If you are interested in applying you will need to:

• Complete a Sliding Fee Scale Application.
• Provide proof of income for the previous 3 months.
• Include any wages, child support, alimony, disability, social security, retirement, 
unemployment etc.
• If you do not have income, you need to provide proof of no income.

You need to provide proof of income within 2 weeks of the date of your appointment.

PLEASE NOTE: The sliding fee scale does not apply until you provide proof of income and your application is approved.

What proof of income do I need to provide?

If you think you want to apply for the Sliding Fee Scale, you will need to bring proof of income for the previous 3 months. If you do not have income, you will need to talk to a Benefit Counselor about how to prove this.

How do I count the number of people in my family?

We define a family as people related by blood, marriage or adoption, AND that are financially responsible for each other. Children 18 and older are counted as single adults. Unmarried couples are counted as single individuals.

When do I need to re-apply?

Your income has to re-verified every 12 months. But, if your circumstances change (return to work, lose a job, have a child, etc.) we will need to re-verify your income. Please contact a Benefit Counselor at 1-888-834-4551.