Health Care Clinic in Cleveland, OH: What Is an FQHC and How Does NEON Serve Cleveland?

At NEON (Northeast Ohio Neighborhood Health Services), we believe every person deserves access to quality care, no matter their income, insurance status, or background. As a federally qualified health care clinic in Cleveland, OH, we serve families across Greater Cleveland who face real barriers to getting the help they need. Understanding the FQHC model can help you discover affordable, comprehensive services right in your neighborhood. Call 216-231-7700 to learn more or schedule an appointment today.

What Is a Federally Qualified Health Center?

A Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) is a community-based health care provider that receives federal funding to deliver primary care services in underserved areas. It is a clinic that exists specifically to serve people who might otherwise struggle to get care.

To earn federal designation, each health center must meet strict requirements, including serving an underserved area, offering care on a sliding fee scale tied to income, maintaining a patient-majority governing board, and providing comprehensive primary care.

FQHCs are required by federal law to serve anyone who walks through the door, regardless of ability to pay, insurance status, or immigration status. That commitment matters in communities where job changes, high deductibles, or coverage gaps leave people without options.

According to HRSA's Bureau of Primary Health Care, health centers served over 32 million patients in 2024, about 1 in 10 Americans. For anyone searching for a health care clinic in Cleveland, OH, the FQHC model offers a proven, federally supported option.

How Does the Sliding-Scale Fee Work?

Our sliding-scale fee program allows us to charge fees based on a patient's income and household size, making health care affordable regardless of financial circumstances.

Discounts are calculated using two pieces of information: household size and annual income. Those numbers determine where you fall on the federal poverty guidelines, updated each year. Any patient can apply, and the discount is based on income, not insurance status, so even insured patients may qualify if out-of-pocket costs are a challenge. Nobody is turned away for inability to pay, and costs are matched to what you can realistically afford.

Who Qualifies for Sliding-Scale Fees?

Our Sliding Fee Discount Program covers a wide range of situations. Eligible groups include the following:

• Uninsured adults and families with no coverage at all.
• Underinsured patients whose out-of-pocket expenses exceed their financial abilities.
• Individuals on Medicaid, Medicare, or managed care plans who need supplemental assistance.
• Workers between jobs or those whose employers do not offer health benefits.

What Services Are Available at Our Cleveland Community Health Center?

We offer far more than a single doctor visit. Our primary care services include family medicine, adult medicine, pediatrics, geriatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, behavioral health, and dental services. On-site ancillary services can include laboratory, pharmacy, X-ray, mammography, and ultrasound, meaning fewer trips across the city and faster care. Patients can also access social work, health education, family planning, and nutritional counseling for a well-rounded approach to better outcomes.

For Cleveland residents, this wraparound care matters. Neighborhoods like Hough, Collinwood, St. Clair-Superior, and the Southeast side have historically faced limited access to preventive care. A health care clinic in Cleveland, OH, that bundles medical, dental, and behavioral services can close that gap meaningfully.

What Insurance Do We Accept?

We typically accept Medicare and Medicaid, managed care plans such as CareSource, Buckeye Health Plan, Paramount, and UnitedHealthcare, and commercial plans including Medical Mutual of Ohio, Aetna, and Anthem BC/BS. Services are also available on a sliding fee scale for patients without coverage or with limited means.

Which Cleveland Neighborhoods Do We Serve?

We have different health center locations rooted in the neighborhoods where our patients actually live. Our sites include the following:

• St. Clair neighborhood: 15322 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110.
• Superior Avenue corridor: 12100 Superior Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106.
• Southeast side: 13301 Miles Ave., Cleveland, OH 44105.
• East Cleveland: 15201 Euclid Ave., East Cleveland, OH 44112.
• Miles Broadway: 9127 Miles Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110.

These locations span the east side of Cleveland and into East Cleveland, placing primary care, dental, and behavioral health within reach for a large portion of Cuyahoga County's most underserved residents. Select sites offer extended evening and weekend hours, helping working families who cannot take time off during the day.

How Long Have We Served Cleveland?

We were established in 1967 and have been a fixture of Cleveland's health care landscape for nearly six decades. Since our founding, we have maintained a strong history of collaboration with community partners to ensure quality health care for residents of Northeast Ohio.

Ready to Schedule? NEON Is Here to Help

At NEON, we are committed to serving patients of all ages, income levels, and insurance situations across Greater Cleveland. Whether you need a routine physical, dental care, behavioral health support, or help managing a chronic condition, our team is ready to help. Call 216-231-7700 to schedule an appointment, or explore our full range of programs and services at your nearest location.

No insurance? No problem. Our sliding-scale fee program means cost should never stand between you and the care you need. Contact us to ask about eligibility or see what Cleveland patients are saying about us by reading our reviews on Google Maps.