US Medical Term · administration
Sliding Fee Scale
Escala de Tarifas Móviles
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Sliding Fee Scale |
| Spanish (Español) | Escala de Tarifas Móviles |
| Chinese (中文) | 滑动费率 |
| Korean (한국어) | 소득비례 요금제 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Thang phí linh động |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Sliding Fee Scale |
| Portuguese (Português) | Escala de Honorários Variáveis |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ค่าบริการตามรายได้ |
| 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） |
What it means
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.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
The community health center uses a sliding fee scale so I pay based on my income.
El centro de salud comunitario usa una escala de cuotas variables para que pague según mis ingresos.
Do I need to bring proof of income to qualify for the sliding fee discount?
¿Necesito traer comprobante de ingresos para calificar para el descuento de cuota variable?
After applying the sliding fee, my visit cost only ten dollars instead of the standard rate.
Después de aplicar la cuota variable, mi visita costó solo diez dólares en lugar de la tarifa estándar.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Related guide
→ US Guide: community health centers and sliding feesSources
Last reviewed: September 2026