sliding scale payment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sliding scale payment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a payment system where the amount paid varies based on certain factors, such as income or ability to pay. Example: "The clinic offers a sliding scale payment option to ensure that all patients can afford the necessary medical care."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

NEDA also allows you to search for treatment services with sliding scale payment options and runs an interactive website just for teens.

Columbia University

Some mental health professionals accept insurance, while others don't and may operate on a sliding scale payment system (in other words, deciding on a rate with your therapist).

HuffPost

Several providers mentioned challenges with the different aspects of payment; clients had difficulty understanding the sliding scale payment scheme used during community mobilization days, clients expected Tunza services to be free, or clients expected that Tunza would provide low-cost services beyond family planning.

BMC Health Services Research

When you call or visit a clinic, ask whether there is a sliding scale payment option for uninsured patients.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The 41.9 million uninsured Americans along with privately insured patients visiting an out-of-network hospital may be faced with the full charges for their care, which are typically so high that few patients can pay them, resulting in need for charity care, sliding scale payments or often bad debt on the patient's part.

BMJ Open

Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, allowing those with lower incomes the ability to afford services.

WikiHow

The clientele has changed, the location moved from Ocean Avenue to Third Street and a sliding scale of payment has replaced the free medical services.

Los Angeles Times

Some clinics have a sliding scale or payment plans available so you don't have to pay the entire cost at once.

WikiHow

The senators offered additional details of their plan, which provides a sliding scale for payments.

The New York Times

A sliding scale for payments was put in place after the clinic moved to Third Street, but no one is turned away.

Los Angeles Times

Hutchison, in the recent negotiations, was unwilling to match Hong Kong Cable's offer of guaranteed, sliding scale royalty payments to the government amounting to 7%to8%8% of gross revenues, nor would it add $160 million to the $550 million it already had proposed to spend on the 1.8-million-subscriber system.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing costs, specify what factors determine the different levels in your "sliding scale payment" system. For example, "Our fees operate on a sliding scale payment, determined by annual income and family size".

Common error

Don't assume everyone understands "sliding scale payment". Briefly explain how the scale works (e.g., based on income, family size) to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sliding scale payment" functions as a modifier followed by a noun. It typically describes the type of payment plan offered, indicating that the amount due varies based on certain criteria, often income. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and used in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "sliding scale payment" refers to a payment system where the amount owed is adjusted based on factors like income or ability to pay. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While less common, this term appears in various contexts, including news, academia, and science, often to explain how services are made accessible to a wider range of individuals. Alternative phrases such as "income-based payment plan" or "variable fee structure", can be used for variety, but it's crucial to define the specific criteria that determine the sliding scale to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Income-based payment plan

Specifically links payments to the individual's income.

Means-tested payment

Payment eligibility and amount are determined by an assessment of the applicant's income and capital.

Adjustable rate payment

Focuses on the rate being adjusted rather than the scale itself.

Subsidized payment option

Highlights the element of subsidy involved in making the payment more affordable.

Variable fee structure

Highlights the structure of fees being variable.

Graduated payment schedule

Emphasizes a schedule where payments gradually change.

Tiered payment system

Implies a payment system with distinct tiers or levels.

Reduced fee arrangement

Emphasizes the resulting arrangement of reduced fees, rather than the mechanism.

Proportional payment

Indicates a direct proportion between the payment and another factor like income.

Indexed payment

Payment linked and adjusted based on an index, typically financial.

FAQs

What does "sliding scale payment" mean?

A "sliding scale payment" refers to a payment system where the cost of a service is adjusted based on the recipient's ability to pay, often determined by income.

How can I find services that offer a "sliding scale payment"?

When searching for services, specifically ask if they offer a "sliding scale payment" option. Many clinics and therapists, for example, provide this for uninsured patients.

What are some alternatives to saying "sliding scale payment"?

You can use alternatives such as "income-based payment plan", "adjustable rate payment", or "variable fee structure" depending on the specific context.

Is a "sliding scale payment" the same as charity care?

No, a "sliding scale payment" involves paying a reduced fee based on income, while charity care typically refers to free or heavily discounted services provided to those who cannot afford to pay anything.