Published by the Pen Bay Pilot 09/11/2026
Federal designation enables Knox Clinic to offer sliding fee discount based on patients’ income levels
On September 1, the Knox Clinic achieved its official designation as a Federally Qualified Health Center, Look Alike (FQHC-LAL).
“This milestone marks a tremendous leap forward for the nonprofit organization, which was founded by volunteer physicians in 1999,” said the Knox Clinic, in a news release.
Federally Qualified Health Centers, known familiarly as Community Health Centers, are located in rural and medically underserved areas to patients regardless of insurance status. FQHC-LAL status enables the Knox Clinic to offer a sliding fee discount to patients based on their income levels.
Community Health Centers are vital to Maine’s health care system, according to Knox Clinic. They comprise the largest independent primary care network in the state, providing high quality and accessible medical, behavioral, and dental health services for over 200,000 people (1 in 6 Mainers) at more than 100 service delivery sites in all 16 counties. Maine is home to 21 FQHCs, including two FQHC Look-Alikes. The Knox Clinic is one of only two Look Alikes in the state: Community Clinical Services in Lewiston was designated in 2000.
Today, the Knox Clinic provides primary medical, dental, and behavioral healthcare. The clinic serves patients who are insured, underinsured, or uninsured, with a sliding scale for patients paying out of pocket or who have a high deductible.
FULL STORY: Federal designation enables Knox Clinic to offer sliding fee discount based on patients’ income levels
