What is a sliding fee scale?

A sliding fee scale is a method used in healthcare to adjust the cost of services based on a patient's financial situation. This model is designed to enhance access to care for individuals who may have limited financial resources. By evaluating a patient's income and family size, healthcare providers can determine an appropriate fee that corresponds to what the patient can afford to pay.

This approach ensures that financial barriers do not prevent patients from receiving necessary medical attention. It reflects a more equitable system where the costs align with patients' economic situations, promoting health equity and accessibility for underserved populations. Such a structure is often utilized by community health centers and clinics that aim to serve low-income individuals, allowing them to receive care without the worry of excessive financial burden.

The other options do not capture the essence of the sliding fee scale as they describe fixed pricing structures or discounts without the flexibility tied to a patient’s ability to pay.