Catalyst Cayuga

How free and low-cost care works

A "sliding-scale fee" means the clinic adjusts what you pay based on your household income and family size. If you make very little, many visits and basic services are free. If you earn more, you might pay $20–$60 for a visit instead of the $200–$400 a private clinic would charge. You will be asked to fill out a short form so the clinic can place you on the right tier.

The phrase "free clinic" can be misleading. Most "free" clinics are actually sliding-scale clinics — completely free for the lowest income tier, and very low cost for everyone else. A handful of clinics, usually volunteer-run, are truly free for all patients regardless of income. Both kinds are listed here.

To get the lowest fee, bring three things to your first visit: a photo ID (any government-issued ID), proof of income (a recent pay stub, an unemployment award letter, or a clinic-provided self-attestation form if you are paid in cash), and proof of address (a utility bill or any piece of mail). If you do not have these, most clinics will still see you — they just may charge you their standard sliding-scale rate until you can verify income.