National Health Service Corps Sites

Get comprehensive primary care and mental and behavioral health care, regardless of your ability to pay, at Essentia Health’s National Health Service Corps-approved sites.

What’s the National Health Service Corps?

The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) is a federal program that helps bring medical, dental, and mental and behavioral health professionals to communities with limited access to health care, including rural areas. Its members are dedicated to ensuring health care for everyone, preventing disease and illness, and caring for those who might otherwise go without care.

Do I Qualify for NHSC Discount/Sliding Fee Scale Program?

Eligibility is based on a patient’s annual income and family size under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ annual Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Once program eligibility is assessed, a patient who meets the income guidelines would receive a sliding fee discount based on a sliding fee scale (SFS). The SFS is based on annual updates to the Federal Poverty guidelines.

Those with incomes at or below 100% of poverty will receive a full 100% discount. Those with incomes above 100% of poverty, but at or below 200% of poverty, will be charged according to the sliding fee schedule.

Patients must receive services at one of the NHSC approved locations and qualify as low-income (can be uninsured or underinsured patients). A list of Essentia’s NHSC approved locations is available at the bottom of this page.

Does your income fall anywhere on the table below? If so, you could qualify for this discount program. 

Annual Income Thresholds by Sliding Fee Discount Pay Class and Percent Poverty - 4/1/2024-3/31/2025
Poverty Level* At or Below 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% Above 200%
Charge
Family Size Nominal Fee ($5) 20% Pay 40% Pay 60% Pay 80% Pay 100% Pay
1 $0 - $15,060 $15,061 - $18,825 $18,226 - $22,590 $22,591 - $26,355 $26,356 - $30,120 $30,121+
2 $0 - $20,440 $20,441 - $25,550 $25,551 - $30,660 $30,661 - $35,770 $35,771 - $40,880 $40,881+
3 $0 - $25,820 $25,821 - $32,275 $32,276 - $38,730 $38,731 - $45,185 $45,186 - $51,640 $51,641+
4 $0 - $31,200 $31,201 - $39,000 $39,001 - $46,800 $46,801 - $54,600 $54,601 - $62,400 $62,401+
5 $0 - $36,580 $36,581 - $45,725 $45,726 - $54,870 $54,871 - $64,015 $64,016 - $73,160 $73,161+
6 $0 - $41,960 $41,961 - $52,450 $52,451 - $62,940 $62,941 - $73,430 $73,431 - $83,920 $83,921+
7 $0 - $47,340 $47,341 - $59,175 $59,176- $71,010 $71,011 - $82,845 $82,846 - $94,680 $94,681+
8 $0 - $52,720 $52,721 - $65,900 $65,901 - $79,080 $79,081 - $92,260 $92,261 - $105,440 $105,4411+
For each additional person, add $5,380 $6,725  $8,070  $9,415  $10,760  $10,760 

* Based on 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines

Get Care at an NHSC-Approved Site

When you visit one of Essentia Health’s NHSC-approved sites, you’ll benefit from our promise to:

  • Serve all patients
  • Offer discounted fees for patients who qualify
  • Provide services regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, and/or ability to pay
  • Accept insurance, including Medicaid, Medicare, and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Find an NHSC-Approved Site

Explore our NHSC-approved sites that offer primary care or mental and behavioral health care services. Contact the site to learn whether you might qualify for discounted fees and find out how to apply.

How to Apply to the NHSC Program

Download, complete, and email an application for the National Health Service Corps Program.

You may also submit your application and supporting documents to Essentia Health, BSC Financial Assistance, 400 # 3rd Street, Duluth, MN 55805.

You’ll receive notification of your eligibility within 30 business days of Essentia receiving your completed application.

NHSC Program

Download, complete, and email an application for the National Health Service Corps program.

Contact Us

To speak with a Patient Financial Services representative, send a message through MyChart or
Call: 1-800-985-4675,
Monday–Thursday: 8 am - 5 pm, and Friday: 9 am - 4:30 pm.

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