Questions about the sliding fee scale
To make a request for discounted services, please call your local Peak Wellness Center office. Our friendly and helpful staff can answer any questions you might have, as well as assist you in filling out the required applications and paperwork.
How do I know if I qualify for the sliding fee scale?
All clients who come to Peak Wellness Center for behavior health services are assessed for eligibility for a Sliding Fee Discount unless they refuse. We do this to ensure that if it is clinically appropriate for you to receive services that are not covered by insurance (underinsured services) that you can afford these services. The Sliding Fee Discount is a “Payer of Last Resort” discount that is supported with a subsidy from the State of Wyoming Department of Health and follows Federal Poverty Guidelines of Income and Family size for this subsidy.
Clients with documented incomes at or below 100% of poverty will be charged a Minimum Fee on their services at Peak. This Minimum Fee is a substantial discount from the full fee for the service and is the greatest discount available based upon income and family size. There are also 4 tiers of eligibility between 100% and 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines, each with a related discount from full fee. Federal Poverty Guidelines are updated during the first quarter of every calendar year.
To qualify for the Sliding Fee Discount, all alternative payment resources must be exhausted, including all third-party payment from insurance(s), Federal and State programs. Peak cannot accept payment from any other payer (DFS, DVR, etc.) for any amounts due from clients which have been processed with the Sliding Fee Discount.
If I qualify for sliding scale, do I still need to pay for my visits to Peak?
Payment for all services at Peak Wellness Center are due when the service is rendered. This includes Minimum Fee services. If you are experiencing a Financial Hardship, please speak with the front desk staff as soon as possible. You may qualify for a Payment Plan or Financial Hardship discount. A separate application is available for that process.
Can I qualify for the sliding fee scale if I have insurance coverage?
Under federal regulations, clients with insurance coverage do not qualify for the sliding fee scale.
Questions about the Sliding Fee Discount application process
We make discount mental health and substance abuse services available to all clients in need through a Sliding Fee Discount Application process. (Click here to download the application.)
The Sliding Fee Discount is based upon the annually published Federal Poverty Guidelines, establishing income and family size parameters for the Discount from full fee.
How does the Sliding Fee Discount Program work?
The Sliding Fee Discount Program procedure will be administered through the Chief Financial Officer or his/her designee. Information about the Sliding Fee Discount Program policy and procedure will be provided and assistance offered for completion of the application. Dignity and confidentiality will be respected for all who seek and/or are provided charitable services.
How do I apply for the Sliding Fee Discount Program?
Clients who wish to receive discounted services must provide written income documentation upon entry into service to qualify for the discounts. The client/responsible party must complete the Sliding Fee Discount Program application in its entirety. Your Federal Tax Return is the best source of income documentation. By signing the Sliding Fee Discount Program application, persons authorize Peak Wellness Center access in confirming income as disclosed on the application form. Providing false information on a Sliding Fee Discount Program application will result in all Sliding Fee Discount Program discounts being revoked, and the full balance of the account(s) restored and payable immediately.
How do I provide proof of income?
For income verification, applicants must provide one of the following:
- Prior year tax return
- W-2
- Three most recent pay stubs
- Letter from employer
- Form 4506-T (if W-2 not filed)
Self-employed individuals will be required to submit detail of the most recent three months of income and expenses for the business. Adequate information must be made available to determine eligibility for the program. Self-declaration of income may only be used in special circumstances. Specific examples include participants who are homeless.
If approved, how is my sliding fee scale discount decided upon?
Discounts will be based on income and family size only. Peak Wellness Center uses the Census Bureau definitions of each:
- Income includes earnings, unemployment compensation, workers compensation, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, public assistance, veterans’ payments, survivor benefits, pension or retirement income, interest, dividends, rents, royalties, income from estates, trusts, educational assistance, alimony, child support, assistance from outside the household, and other miscellaneous sources. Noncash benefits (such as food stamps and housing subsidies) do not count.
- Family is defined as a group of two people or more (one of whom is the householder) related by birth, marriage, or adoption and residing together; all such people (including related subfamily members) are considered as members of one family.
Downloadable financial documents
Still have questions about payment and insurance for Peak services?