Staff members at Heart of Kansas Family Health Care Inc. realize many local and area residents face financial uncertainty because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But their health care doesn’t have to suffer because of it, said Brett Middleton, chief executive officer.
“Some current patients have experienced furloughs and loss of employment during this public-health crisis,” Middleton said. “We continue to care for them and welcome newcomers.
“Our sliding-fee scale provides a great safety net,” he added. “We accept everyone, regardless of ability to pay.”
Many patients qualify for discounted services because of the sliding-fee scale at Heart of Kansas clinics in Great Bend, Larned and Stafford. These discounts are based on household income and the number of people in the household.
“Some of our patients have lost their jobs, at least for the time being, but have been able to keep employer-provided insurance,” Middleton noted. “Others have lost both work and insurance. We can accommodate these situations.”
The sliding-fee scale applies to all Heart of Kansas services, which include medical, behavioral health, substance abuse and dental care.
Patients provide basic information, along with proof of income. The short application form is updated each year.
Heart of Kansas is a Federally Qualified Health Center. Forty percent of patients have no insurance; 95 percent live at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level and qualify for discounted services.
Middleton pointed out that retired patients that now live on limited incomes may also qualify for discounted services.
“Whether you have a great health insurance policy or no insurance, you are welcome at Heart of Kansas,” Middleton said. “Our professional, compassionate health-care providers are second-to-none and provide quality care and treatment to everyone.”
The sliding-fee forms can be viewed at www.heartofkansas.com/patient-forms-2/.
For more information about the sliding-fee scale or other services, contact Heart of Kansas by calling 620-792-5700.
Heart of Kansas Family Health Care Inc. is a Federally Qualified Health Center, which allows it to be a safety net for patients who are uninsured or underinsured. Its professional providers also welcome those with insurance at the Great Bend, Larned and Stafford locations. Heart of Kansas is open to everyone.
