What is a Community Health Center?

Community Health Centers (CHCs) are public, tribal or private, non-profit organizations that serve populations with limited access to health care. CHCs provide comprehensive primary and preventive primary care, as well as urgent care, dental and mental health services (on site or by referral). CHCs serve all patients regardless of age, income or ability to pay, within a designated service area.

Is SCHC a free clinic?

No, services at the Seward Community Health Center (SCHC) are not free. Charges will be submitted to the patient’s insurance or coverage program such as Medicare and Medicaid, and patients are responsible for any out-of-pocket deductible and co-pay amounts. Patients may also pay for their portion of service charges according to their income and household size by applying for our Sliding Fee Discount Program. Anyone can apply for the Sliding Fee Discount Program, regardless of income or insurance status.

What if I don't have health insurance?

We accept all patients, whether they’re insured, underinsured, or uninsured. No one is denied care based on their insurance status or ability to pay. We can help you find private insurance, apply for our sliding fee discount program, or even help you enroll in Medicare or Medicaid. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.

How can the Sliding Fee Discount Program help me afford my healthcare?

Anyone can apply for the Sliding Fee Discount Program. Eligibility for this program is based on household income and family size according to our most recent sliding fee scale. Learn how to apply and what documentation you will need to supply here.

What if I need a prescription refill?

If you need more medication, first call your pharmacy to see if you have refills available. The pharmacy will contact us if you do not have refills available. If you're out of refills and it's been 6 months or more since you your prescription was issued, you may need an appointment with your provider. Please allow up to 3 business days for SCHC staff to process standard prescriptions, and up to 7 business days to process narcotic prescriptions. Seward Safeway Pharmacy can be reached at (907) 224-6960.

Can I get an appointment today?

Although we can’t promise that you can get an appointment today, the odds are very good, and we will do our best to fit you into our schedule. On occasion you might have to wait a day or two, especially during the busy season or when providers are on vacation. We'll always do our best to accept walk-in and call-in patients with urgent needs as soon as possible.

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

If you have medical insurance, bring a copy of your insurance card. If you have Medicaid or Medicare, bring a copy of your card with you.

Who runs Seward Community Health Center?

We are an independent non-profit organization here to serve the community. We are located in the same building as Providence Seward Medical and Care Center, but we are a separate entity. Similarly, the City of Seward supports the Center, but does not run the Center. Everyone on our 15-member Board of Directors is a citizen volunteer, and more than half are patients of the Center.

Where does SCHC get its funding?

Our funding comes from many sources:

• Patient revenue