At Paterson Community Health, care is available to everyone. That includes patients with insurance, as well as those who are uninsured or concerned about cost. If you are worried about paying for services, there are several programs that may help reduce what you owe.
Some options are based on income and household size, while others focus on specific types of care. Our goal is simple. Make sure you can get the care you need without unnecessary financial stress.
What Financial Assistance Programs Are Available?
Paterson Community Health participates in several established programs that help lower healthcare costs for eligible patients. These include:
- Federally Supported Sliding Fee Discount Program
- State Discount Program for Dental Services
- New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection (NJCEED)
- Title X Discount Program
- 340B Pharmacy Discount Program
Each program works a little differently, and eligibility depends on your situation.
How Does the Sliding Fee Discount Program Work?
The Federally Supported Sliding Fee Discount Program is one of the most widely used options.
This program adjusts the cost of care based on:
- Your total household income
- The size of your household
If your income falls within federal guidelines, you may pay reduced fees for visits and services. In many cases, this can help cover copays, deductibles, or other out-of-pocket costs.
You can apply when you register, and you may be asked to provide proof of income and family size.
Is There Help for Patients Without Insurance?
Yes. If you do not have health insurance, you may still qualify for financial assistance.
The State Discount Program for Dental Services is available to eligible New Jersey residents without insurance. This program helps lower the cost of dental care based on:
- Household income
- Family size
To qualify, your income must fall within certain federal limits, and you must live in New Jersey. Applications are typically completed during registration.
Can I Get Free or Low-Cost Preventive Screenings?
In some cases, yes.
The New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection (NJCEED) program offers free or reduced-cost cancer screenings for patients who are uninsured or underinsured and meet eligibility requirements.
This program focuses on early detection, which can make a meaningful difference in long-term health outcomes.
What If I Need Family Planning Services?
The Title X Discount Program is designed to help cover the cost of family planning services.
If you receive qualifying services, you may be able to reduce what you pay based on your income. Applications are usually completed after services are provided, and eligibility is determined using federal guidelines.
Is There Assistance for Prescription Medications?
Yes. The 340B Pharmacy Discount Program can help lower the cost of medications.
If you qualify, your prescription costs may be reduced based on:
- Household income
- Family size
This program is especially helpful for patients managing ongoing health conditions that require regular medication. You can apply when picking up prescriptions at the pharmacy.
What About Other Services Like Podiatry?
If you need specialized care, such as podiatry services, financial assistance may still be available.
Patients can apply for one of the discount programs listed above to help reduce the cost of treatment. Our team will help determine which option applies to your situation.
What Documents Do I Need to Apply?
To qualify for most programs, you may need to provide proof of income. This helps ensure your eligibility is properly assessed.
Accepted documents may include:
- Recent pay stubs
- Income tax returns
- W-2 forms
- Employer letters on official letterhead
- Unemployment or disability benefit statements
- Child support or foster care income records
- A written self-attestation if other documentation is not available
If you are unsure what to bring, staff can guide you through the process.
How Do I Get Started?
Applying is simple, and help is available at every step.
You can:
- Ask about financial assistance when scheduling your visit
- Apply during registration
- Speak with a team member for one-on-one guidance
Every patient’s situation is different, so we take the time to make sure you are matched with the right program.
Care That Works for Real Life
At Paterson Community Health, healthcare is meant to be accessible, not out of reach. Whether you have insurance, are uninsured, or fall somewhere in between, there are options available to help you move forward with care.
If cost has been holding you back, this is a place where you can start getting answers and support.