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KCHC makes healthcare affordable with ‘sliding fee’
As part of its mission, the Kagman Community Health Center works to address one of the major barriers to accessing health care: affordability. The KCHC helps patients afford care through its sliding fee discount program, often referred to simply as “sliding fee.” The purpose of the program is to make sure that fear of cost does not deter community members from accessing primary care services.
Those who are eligible for the program are responsible for a significantly reduced fee for the services and care received at the KCHC. Eligibility for sliding fee discounts is based on income and family size compared to the federal poverty level. The lower the income of an individual or family, the higher the discounts for care. Some enrollees may be responsible for only a nominal fee of $5, while others may receive discounts from 25 to 75 percent. The amount of the discount is determined according to income. Eligibility for the discounts is not limited to Kagman residents.
The sliding fee discount program supports the concept that patients be monetarily invested in their care based on their ability to pay. The program is targeted to minimize financial barriers to care for patients at or below 200 percent of the current federal poverty guidelines.
Anyone living in the CNMI is welcome to apply. Visit the KCHC on Lemmai Way in Kagman II (256-5242), to complete the confidential sliding fee application and submit required documents. Eligibility for the program is determined 15 business days from the date all required supporting documents are received, and the applicant will receive an eligibility notification letter in the mail. If determined eligible, enrollment is effective for one year. Any changes in income or household size must be reported to KCHC for a redetermination of eligibility.
Applications for the program can also be picked up from the free blood pressure screenings at Saipan grocery stores through the month of June. The effort is a collaboration of the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. and Northern Marianas College with funding from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. Screening participants with high blood pressure will be offered follow-up at KCHC. (PR)
The screening schedule is below:
Wednesday, May 24, Twins Market, Dandan, 4pm to 6pm
Saturday, May 27, Joeten Superstore, Oleai, 10:30am to 12:30pm
Wednesday, May 31, Han Nam Market, Koblerville, 4pm to 6pm
Wednesday, June 7, Welcome Market, San Roque, 4pm to 6pm
Saturday, June 10, Joeten Superstore, Oleai, 10:30am to 12:30pm
Wednesday, June 14, Kagman Market, Kagman, 4pm to 6pm
Saturday, June 17, Joeten Superstore, Oleai, 10:30am to 12:30am
Wednesday, June 21, Twins Market, Dandan, 4pm to 6pm
Saturday, June 24, Joeten Superstore, Oleai, 10:30am to 12:30pm
