Sliding Scale Policy for Renewed Outlook Holistic Mental Health and Wellness LLC
Purpose:
At Renewed Outlook, we are committed to providing quality mental health care to all individuals, regardless of their financial situation. Our sliding scale policy is designed to make psychiatric and psychotherapy services accessible to those with varying financial resources.
How the Program Works:
We recognize that asking for financial assistance can be difficult. Renewed Outlook uses a method called the Green Bottle Sliding Scale Method. The Green Bottle Sliding Scale Method was developed by Alexis J. Cunningfolk. It is a fee structure designed to accommodate clients with different financial means. It is a flexible payment range instead of a fixed price for services. The Green Bottle Sliding Scale Method is for individuals who do not have insurance coverage. This scale is intended to be a map, inviting each person to take inventory of their financial resources. It is a way to challenge the standardized sliding fee scales based solely on income guidelines that may not reflect the complexity of what financial resources we have access to, the financial responsibilities that we have, and our current experiences and needs.
Please look at the scale descriptions below and self-identify where you are at. We can use this as a discussion point for financial conversations and availability of sliding scale fee services at Renewed Outlook.
Tier 3 (or the left bottle):
I am comfortably able to meet all of my basic* needs.
I may have some debt, but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs.
I own my home or property or I rent a higher-end property.
I own or lease a car.
I am employed or do not need to work to meet my needs.
I have reliable access to health care.
I have access to financial savings, family wealth and/or resources in times of need.
I have an expendable** income.
I can always buy new items.
I can afford multiple vacations or take time off for leisure.
Tier 2 (or the middle bottle):
I may stress about meeting my basic* needs, but still regularly achieve them.
I may have some debt, but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs.
I have daily reliable transportation.
I am employed.
I have access to health care.
I might have access to financial savings.
I have some expendable** income.
I am able to buy some new items and I thrift others.
I can take time off either for sickness or leisure and am still able to pay next month’s bills.
I can travel annually without financial burden.
Tier 1 (or the right bottle):
I frequently stress about meeting basic* needs and don’t always achieve them.
I have debt and it sometimes prohibits me from meeting my basic needs.
I rent lower-end properties or have unstable housing.
I do not have a car or have limited access to a car and gas.
I am unemployed, underemployed, or have been denied work due to incarceration history.
I qualify for public aid including food stamps and health care.
I have no access to savings.
I have no or very limited expendable** income.
I rarely buy new items because I am unable to afford them.
I cannot afford a vacation or have the ability to take time off without financial burden
* Basic Needs include food, housing, health care, and transportation.
** Expendable Income might mean you are able to buy coffee or tea at a shop, go to the movies or a concert, buy new clothes, books, and similar items each month, etc.
Eligibility:
We do not check financial information. We take clients at their word and expect for clients to be open and transparent and to let us know if their financial situation improves. We will have an open conversation to decide if utilizing the sliding scale if appropriate for you, your provider, and the practice.
The foundation of this model is trust that you accurately represent your financial situation. Please understand that our sliding scale spots are limited and need to be reserved for those who need them. Being honest with yourself and us about your financial situation when engaging with the sliding scale helps to grow strong and sustainable communities. It also respects the work of providers at Renewed Outlook, who like you, also have families to support, bills to pay, and basic needs that need to be met. When we are paid fairly, we can invest more time and resources to lower cost services.
Anyone with insurance to cover all or some of the cost of their visits is not eligible for the sliding scale fees. At Renewed Outlook, most services are going to be covered by insurance. Unfortunately, this method cannot be applied to copays and co-insurance or deductibles as that is a contract we have with insurance companies and that would be insurance fraud.
Sliding Scale Structure:
Fee Range:
Tier 3: Full fee
Tier 2: $100 - $150 depending on services being provided
Tier 1: Will be discussed between client and provider to determine what works best for the client, provider, and the practice
Adjustments: Fees will be reviewed and adjusted every 3 months or as necessary based on changes in income or financial circumstances.
Termination of Reduced Rates: The practice reserves the right to terminate the sliding scale policy at any time and for any reason. We will discuss this with you before terminating the reduced rates to determine how you wish to proceed with your care and payment for your care.
Financial Agreement: Each client will sign an agreement that they understand and agree with the terms of their payment arrangement for services.
Confidentiality:
All financial information provided will be kept confidential and used solely for the purpose of determining eligibility for sliding scale fees. While financial documentation is typically not required, any documentation obtained will be stored securely in accordance with privacy laws and regulations.
Payment Terms:
Payments: Sliding scale fees are due at the time of service unless otherwise agreed upon by the provider, the practice, and the client.
Missed Appointments: Clients who miss appointments without proper notice may be required to pay the full fee for the missed session.
Review:
Clients may request a review of their sliding scale fee if their financial situation changes. Please discuss with your provider or the office staff.
As discussed above, fees will be reviewed and adjusted every 3 months or as necessary based on changes in income or financial circumstances.
Contact Information:
For questions about the sliding scale policy, please contact our office at:
Phone: 724-302-5969
Effective Date:
This sliding scale policy is effective as of August 24, 2024 and is subject to periodic review and adjustment.
Interested in Learning More About the Green Bottle Sliding Scale Method?
Check out the below websites.
https://www.wortsandcunning.com/blog/sliding-scale
https://www.embracingequity.org/post/embracing-an-equitable-sliding-scale