All patients seeking healthcare services at SMC – Rural Health Clinics are assured that they will be served regardless of ability to pay. No one is refused service because of lack of financial means to pay. This program is designed to provide free or discounted care to those who have no means, or limited means, to pay for their medical services (uninsured or underinsured). SMC – Rural Health Clinics will offer a discounted/sliding fee schedule available based on family size and income. SMC – Rural Health Clinics will base program eligibility on a person’s ability to pay and will not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s race, color, sex, national origin, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity; or Medicare, Medicaid, or Children Health Insurance Program Coverage. The Federal Poverty Guidelines are used in creating and annually updating the sliding fee schedule (SFS) to determine eligibility.