Understanding Our Sliding Fee Discount Program at Bluestem Health

At Bluestem Health, we understand that healthcare costs can be a burden for many families and individuals. That’s why we offer a Sliding Fee Discount Program designed to make healthcare more accessible for those with limited finances. Here’s everything you need to know about our sliding fee schedule for 2025 and how you might benefit. 

What is the Sliding Fee Discount Program?

Our Sliding Fee Discount Program applies to a wide range of services, including office visits, lab tests, vaccinations, and more. This program is available to individuals and families whose annual income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. To qualify, applicants must apply annually – many of our patients are surprised to find they meet the eligibility requirements. 

What Services Are Covered?

Our sliding fee scale is comprehensive and applies not only to medical visits but also to various costs associated with healthcare. This includes: 

• Co-pays: The amount you pay out of pocket for each visit.
• Deductibles: The costs you must cover before insurance kicks in. 
• Co-insurance: Your share of the costs of a covered healthcare service. 
• Non-covered services: Costs for procedures not included in your insurance plan. 

Office Visit Fees

Let’s take a closer look at the range of services we offer and the associated fees.

These prices are listed as different types of office visits, including both new and returning patients, with variations for moderate and minor complexity.  The cost is often based on the complexity of care required – with higher costs for more involved visits.

• Moderately Complex Office Visits range from $30 to $70, depending on the level of complexity.
• Minor Complexity Office Visits also range from $30 to $70.
• New Patient Visits are more expensive, with moderately complex ones priced between $30 and $70, while minor complexity new patient visits are slightly less.
• Those without insurance can expect to cover between $168.00–$388.00.

Tests and Vaccination Fees

The sliding scale program can dramatically reduce the cost of diagnostic tests and vaccinations. Prices for these services are generally consistent across test types but can vary based on complexity or the need for additional administration.

• Hemoglobin A1c and Urinalysis tests both range from $5 to $9.
• Vaccines like the Influenza Vaccine and COVID-19 Rapid Test are priced from $5 to $14, with some variation for administration fees.
• Those without insurance can expect to cover between $25.00–$88.00. 

Physical Fees

This section of the sliding scale program includes preventative physical exams for different age groups. It covers well-child visits as well as preventative exams for adults, with the cost varying based on age group.

• Well-child physicals for infants and young children are priced between $30 and $70.
• Preventive Visits for adults (ages 19-64) are priced similarly, ranging from $30 to $70, with higher costs for older patients (ages 65+).
• Those without insurance can expect to cover between $224.00–$312.00. 

Other Services	LO	L1	L2	L3	L4	Self Pay without Insurance
Medication Administration	$9.00	$10.00	$11.00	$12.00	$12.00	$61.00
Lipid Profile	$5.00	$6.00	$7.00	$8.00	$9.00	$38.00
Pneumococcal Vaccine	$16.00	$20.00	$25.00	$30.00	$35.00	$473.00
Lesion Removal	$20.00	$30.00	$40.00	$50.00	$60.00	$67.00-$1,000.00

How to Apply

Applying for our Sliding Fee Discount Program is straightforward. Our Patient Support Services team is here to help you through the application process. Call us at (402) 476-1455 to check your eligibility and get assistance with your application. 

By utilizing our sliding fee scale, you can access the healthcare services you need without the worry of overwhelming costs. At Bluestem Health, we believe that everyone deserves affordable healthcare, and we are committed to providing support to our community.