Those Without Medical Insurance Can Turn To County Free Clinic For Help

Who can the Free Medical Clinic of Fulton County help?

The person in his 50s, who lost his job and health insurance. The young person, who needs a physical to start work but can't afford it. The person who works for a company that does not provide health coverage, or only works part-time.

Cindy Rose, director of nursing for the Fulton County Health Department, told members of the Archbold Area Chamber of Commerce during their Monday, Jan. 21 noon luncheon the free clinic was the vision of Randy Bowman, an Archbold physician.

A first meeting to develop the clinic was held July 31, 2006. By Aug. 7, 2007, "a wonderful collaboration" of physicians, nurses, and other professionals formed, and held their first clinic hours.

Need, Eligibility

Rose said a study by the Health Department estimated there were about 4,000 to 4,200 persons- 10% of the Fulton County population- that did not have health insurance. That figure is better than the comparable number for the state, 13%, and the nation, 15%.

In the past, attempts to get a federallyfunded clinic failed, because Fulton County did not qualify.

Because children and those over 65 are eligible for federally-funded health care programs such as Medicaid and Medicare, it was decided the Free Clinic would serve persons between 18 and 65 who are not covered by medical insurance, and whose income is within 150% of the poverty level. For a single person, that's $15,315; for a family of four, $30,975.

The clinic keeps office hours in the medical office building at the Fulton County Health Center on Tuesday or Thursdays, from 6 pm to 8 pm. An appointment is required. Those who wish to be seen at the clinic must call the Fulton County Health Department, 419-337-0915, to determine eligibility.

Today, Rose said the Free Clinic sees six to eight individuals in an evening.

Rose said some of those utilizing the free clinic are not able to care for themselves, and haven't had regular health care for a number of years.

As a result, they have a number of complications.

Some patients "have needs that exceed what we are able to provide. That's when we have to get creative," she said.

For medications, Rose said there are a number of assistance programs, but people may need help navigating their way through the systems. Rose said in many cases, a patient is paired with a health care professional who can "mentor" them.

Another problem Rose said they discovered was that many patients came with orthopedic problems, which are problems with bones and joints. As a result, they've added volunteer orthopedic specialists to the Free Clinic group.

Savings

Rose said the clinic actually saves money.

Many of those who can't afford medical care use a hospital emergency room as a doctor's office. Emergency room care is the most expensive form of medical care.

Chronic diseases can be controlled, before they result in much more expensive problems.

Rose said patient surveys show that those who use the clinic are very thankful for the service they receive.

She said the physicians who work at the clinic enjoy the work.

"For them, it's an opportunity to practice medicine the way they learned it in medical school. So much of what they do (in their regular practice) is dictated by insurance companies," she said.

Rose said the Free Clinic of Fulton County is an example of how the Fulton County community comes together to solve a community problem.

The clinic operates with one part-time paid employee who sets appointments, coordinates laboratory test results, x-rays, etc., and other paperwork.

The Free Clinic of Fulton County is a 501(C)(3) organization, which makes donations to the group tax deductible.- David Pugh