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We get asked a lot of questions like: "Why do I need to start with an
eligibility visit?" or "Are your services free?" to "Can you help me with my
prescriptions?" We have tried to put some of the most frequently asked questions
here for reference!
"How do I sign up to be seen?"
Simple. Just visit the nearest MCHS Clinic site based on your
personal needs.
"What is eligibility, and why do I have to go
through it?"
Every patient is required to register before obtaining services, this
is part of the eligibility process. Eligibility personnel will help you to
determine what State, Federal, or privately funded programs you will be eligible
to obtain services under which will result in substantial discounts in many
cases!
"What do I need to bring to eligibility?"
Some of the items that will be needed can include:
- Income tax returns (to help verify income); OR
- Paycheck stubs
- Utility bill in your name (to establish residency)
- Driver's license
- Birth Certificate (especially important for children)
- Letter of Support (If you are not a U.S. Citizen and are not currently
employed, a letter from your immediate relative or sponsor here in the U.S.
can suffice)
The State of Texas Assistance and Referral System
(STARS) allows you to self-screen for potential eligibility for programs
provided by the
Health
and Human Services Commission and other Texas state agencies. While you
can't do an "on-line" type application, referring to their site can give you
additional details about program eligibility as well as the information our
eligibility personnel will need. Remember, our eligibility personnel are here to
help you through this process!
Click on this button to go to the Texas STARS site...
"Do I need to make an appointment?"
YES! Even though our clinics try to accommodate walk-in patients,
those that have appointments will always have priority. An appointment will
always save you time and make your visit more efficient!
"How do I make an appointment to be seen at one of
the clinics?"
EASY! If you are an existing patient, just call the clinic that best
fits your needs. If you are a first-time patient, be sure to allow extra time to
go through the eligibility process.
"Can I make an appointment on-line or by e-mail?"
No, sorry. Not yet. But we are working on it!
"How long does an average visit take?"
A new visit will take an average of 30 minutes with your provider,
while a follow-up visit will take about 15 minutes.
"Are your services free?"
No. Every patient will go through eligibility screening and a
determination of a percentage of discounts will be made. This
"sliding-scale" fee structure is mandated by State and Federal regulations.
"Will I have to pay anything for my visit?"
Patients will have a co-pay based on the sliding fee scale structure
and their eligibility under various programs. After going through the
eligibility screening process, patients will have a much better idea of what, if
any, "out-of-pocket" expenses they may incur.
"Do I have to be a U.S. Citizen to be seen?"
No. Citizenship is not a requirement.
"Where does MCHS get it's money from?"
MCHS receives funding from various sources. MCHS works in partnership
with many State and Federal agencies as well as private foundations and
organizations to allocate monies so services can be provided regardless of an
individuals ability to pay.
"Why is it important to call and cancel an
appointment if I can't make it?"
It is important to cancel and reschedule your appointment so that
others needing treatment can be seen instead!
"I've never been to the clinics before, and I am
sick right now. Can I just come in?"
Yes, though it would be better to make an appointment. Regardless,
MCHS will make every effort to assess your condition and provide a
recommendation or referral, as necessary.
"Does MCHS do emergency first aid or have an
emergency room?"
NO! MCHS is not an Acute Care Facility. Our emphasis is in
preventative care.
"Do you have bi-lingual doctors?"
Si
Oui
(Yes!)
"I have never applied for Medicare or Medicaid, and
have heard that the process is difficult.
Can you help me with this?"
Yes! We have a skilled team of Eligibility Specialists who have full
knowledge of Medicare and Medicaid. Simply make an appointment with one of our
Eligibility Specialists to get the process started! Be sure to bring any items
that they ask for or see the list of items above.
"How do I get dental care for my child?"
MCHS recently opened a small Dental Clinic. In order to be seen, all
patients MUST first be registered (refer to the Eligibility questions/answers
above) and first be seen by, or referred, by a doctor . The Doctor will ensure
that there are no other health issues present and that the patient is healthy
enough for dental treatment. They will then set up a referral to the Dental
Clinic.
"Should I bring my prescription medications with me
to my Doctor's visit!"
YES! This is very important! Don't count on your memory when it comes to
prescription medications - just bring in the bottles! The labels will have all
the information our Doctors need!
"Can you help me with my prescriptions?"
In many cases, yes. However, you must be a patient with MCHS. We encourage you
to make an appointment with one of our eligibility personnel to get the process
started! | 
