Colorado Hospital Discounted Care Act (HDCA)

Helping patients access hospital care at lower costs

Go to CO HDCA Website

What is the Colorado Hospital Discounted Care Act?

The Colorado Hospital Discounted Care Act helps patients access hospital care at lower costs. If you qualify based on income and family size, you may be eligible for discounted services at our hospital. This program ensures every Coloradan can receive the care they need, regardless of financial situation.

Program Includes:

  • Discounts on eligible hospital services
  • Payment plan options for qualifying patients
  • Financial assistance during application review

Eligibility

Who Qualifies?

  • Colorado residents receiving hospital services
  • Patients with household income below a set percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
  • Patients not already covered by certain insurance programs

What it Covers:

  • Discounted rates for hospital services
  • Flexible payment plan options

Note: Eligibility is determined using income and family size.

Decline Screening Form

Patients may decline screening for public health care coverage and/or discounted health care. The decision to decline screening is not final.

Important Details:

  • A decline screening form usually covers one episode of care and related services.
  • It can include past dates of service if specifically noted by the patient or guardian.
  • It cannot apply to future services unrelated to that episode.
  • A properly documented decision to decline screening, consistent with Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing rules, is a complete defense against claims under CSR Section 25.5-3-506.

Application Process

Download & Complete the Uniform Application

Uniform Application - English (PDF)

Uniform Application - Spanish (PDF)

Gather Required Documents

  • Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements)
  • Proof of residency (driver's license, utility bill, lease)

Submit Your Application

  • In person: Billing Office, 900 Cedar Street, Julesburg, CO 80737
  • By mail: ATTN Billing Office – HDCA, 900 Cedar Street, Julesburg, CO 80737
  • By email: financialassistance@schealth.org

Sliding Fee Scale

Discounts are based on income and family size.

Sedgwick County Health Center
Sliding Fee Discount Schedule
2025

Eligibility is based on family size and annual household income. Patients are placed in the discount tier that corresponds to their income as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). A minimum fee of $15.00 applies to all discounted services.

Family Size Tier A Tier B Tier C Tier D Tier E Tier F Tier G
Income (at or below) 100% FPL 117% FPL 133% FPL 159% FPL 185% FPL 200% FPL 250% FPL
Patient Discount 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40%
1 Person $15,650$18,311$20,815$24,884 $28,953$31,300$39,125
2 People $21,150$24,746$28,130$33,629 $39,128$42,300$52,875
3 People $26,650$31,181$35,445$42,374 $49,303$53,300$66,625
4 People $32,150$37,616$42,760$51,119 $59,478$64,300$80,375
5 People $37,650$44,051$50,075$59,864 $69,653$75,300$94,125
6 People $43,150$50,486$57,390$68,609 $79,828$86,300$107,875
7 People $48,650$56,921$64,705$77,354 $90,003$97,300$121,625
8 People $54,150$63,356$72,020$86,099 $100,178$108,300$135,375
$
Minimum Fee A minimum fee of $15.00 applies to all sliding-fee discounted visits, regardless of tier.
%
Non-Qualified Applicants Patients who do not qualify for a sliding fee tier automatically receive a 38.83% discount on services.

Income limits are based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines. For questions about eligibility or to apply, please contact the SCHC billing office. Discounts apply to charges for covered services only. This schedule is subject to annual review and update.

Billing & Collections Protections

The Discounted Care Act limits how hospitals can pursue unpaid bills.

If you qualify, we will not send your account to collections or charge interest while your application is under review.

Learn More:

Sedgwick County Health Center Financial Assistance Policy

Help & Support

Need help applying? Our financial counselors are available to guide you through the process.

Our Location

  • Sedgwick County Health Center
  • 900 Cedar Street
  • Julesburg, CO 80737

Submit Your Application

Patient Rights

Beginning September 1, 2022, hospitals must inform all patients of their rights under the Colorado Hospital Discounted Care Act.

Hospitals Must:

  • Post information on their website
  • Make it available in waiting rooms
  • Explain it to patients in their preferred language
  • Include it in hospital billing statements

Your Rights:

Your Rights as a Patient Under HDCA - English (PDF)

Your Rights as a Patient Under HDCA - Spanish (PDF)

If you did not receive this information, file a complaint with:

hcpf_HospDiscountCare@state.co.us

Frequently Asked Questions

It's a state law that helps patients access hospital care at lower costs. Eligible patients receive discounts and flexible payment options.

You may qualify if:

  • You live in Colorado
  • Your household income is below a certain percentage of the FPL
  • You're not already covered by specific insurance programs

Download and complete the Uniform Application (English or Spanish), then submit it in person, by mail, or by email.

  • Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements)
  • Proof of residency (driver's license, utility bill, lease)

We'll review your application within 21 business days and notify you by mail, email, or phone.

No. Applications under review are not sent to collections and do not impact credit.

It depends on income and family size — see the Sliding Fee Scale tab for more details.

Yes, especially if your income or family size changes. Discounts are typically valid for 12 months.