Printer-Friendly
Email this Story
Post a Comment (0)
More uninsured turning to clinic
Current estimates show that more than one million Virginians, 13 percent of the population, are without health insurance. Of that, 70 percent are employed full time and 13 percent work part-time, however, they cannot afford medical costs.With the slowing economy, demand for health care services has already increased. At the Free Clinic of Culpeper, an average of 35 new patients come in each month, in addition to the already established patient base of 1,200.
Free Clinic Director Laurel Care Gravatte notes an obvious increase in the number of patients treated just within the past year.
"As many employers decrease the availability of health insurance to employees, workers are discovering that the high cost of purchasing a private-pay plan is not an option, not with the first priority is to pay the rent," she said.
In April, the Virginia Association of Free Clinics announced the receipt of a $750,000 grant from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and its charitable foundation to help continue to meet the needs of Virginia's uninsured.
"Without Virginia's free clinics, thousands of Virginians would have no place to turn when they need basic health care," said Burke King, President of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. " Many would likely be forced to use hospital emergency rooms, or go without treatment. Virginia's free clinics are critical to our health care system, and to the patients they serve."
As part of this grant, the Free Clinic of Culpeper received $15,000 to assist with general operations.
The grant funds are unrestricted and according to Gravatte, the clinic will use this money to support the purchase of medications, costly medical equipment for treatment and diagnosis within the clinic, and to retain the services of a nurse practitioner.
The clinic will also expand its hours of service to lift the burden from Culpeper Regional Hospital's emergency department, which has experienced a high number of patients seeking services for chronic illness.
You must be logged in to post a comment.