Where Can I Find Free Clinics?
People who do not have health insurance can access medical help at a free clinic. Some clinics are entirely free, and others ask for donations. The free clinic caters to homeless and low-income people and those with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
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Qualifications
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Guidelines for services are based on income. Free clinics make a determination as to costs of services based on the guidelines of the national
poverty level. For a family of four, this is approximately $22,000. Most free clinics charge on a sliding scale to contribute to covering operating costs.
Operations
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Free clinics depend on gifts of medical supplies, donations from physicians, health-care workers' time and cooperation of pharmaceutical companies. Fees for services can be as low as $4 per visit, as of 2010. Free clinics serve uninsured adults. In most states, children under the age of 18 are covered under federal and state mandates.
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Identification
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The National Association of Free Clinics (NAFC) is a national non-profit organization that acts as a clearing house for free clinics. State welfare agencies have information to help in locating a free clinic. Your local hospital can help in accessing health care for indigent and low-income families.
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References
- Photo Credit doctor visiting image by TEMISTOCLE LUCARELLI from Fotolia.com family image by vanda from Fotolia.com
