administration
Sliding Fee Scale
スライディングフィースケール（収入連動型費用） (suraidingu fī sukēru)
A sliding fee scale is a payment structure that adjusts the cost of healthcare services based on the patient's income and family size. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are required by law to offer sliding fee discounts to all patients regardless of insurance status. Fees are calculated as a percentage of the federal poverty level: patients at or below 100% FPL pay minimal or no fees, while those with higher incomes pay on a graduated scale up to the full charge. Documentation of income is required.
Sliding fee scale clinics are a key access point for uninsured and underinsured patients seeking affordable primary care.
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Sliding Fee Scale |
| Japanese (日本語) | スライディングフィースケール（収入連動型費用） |
| Chinese (中文) | 滑动费率 |
| Korean (한국어) | 소득비례 요금제 |
| Portuguese | Escala de Honorários Variáveis |
| Spanish | Escala de Tarifas Móviles |
| Filipino | Sliding Fee Scale |
| Thai | ค่าบริการตามรายได้ |
| Vietnamese | Thang phí linh động |
| Romanization | suraidingu fī sukēru |
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Browse US healthcare guides →Last reviewed: September 2026