Medical Care
Looking for Help?
Where do you go when you don't have health insurance, you can't afford care and you need medical help? In Virginia, Free Clinics, Community Health Centers and Other Health Safety Net Providers are helping people like you get the care they need but can't afford.
Unfortunately, many of these clinics and centers are overwhelmed
with patients. It can take a long time to get an appointment, and
some clinics have had to implement a lottery system to see who
can get care. Despite the challenges, however, Virginia is lucky to have so many health safety net providers trying to meet the needs of the state's uninsured adults.
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Free Clinics
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There are nearly 50 free clinics in Virginia (see map). |
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Free clinics primarily care for uninsured adults, most often those whose incomes are below 100%-200% of the federal poverty level. |
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Most have limited hours of operation, typically in the evenings. |
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Some offer dental or mental health services in addition to medical care and assistance obtaining prescription medications. |
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Find out more about receiving care at one of Virginia's Free Clinics. |
Community Health Centers
Community Health Centers (CHCs) provide comprehensive primary health care, typically on a sliding fee schedule, to anyone seeking care, regardless of their ability to pay or their insurance status.
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Community Health Centers are full-time medical practices with paid providers who deliver both preventive and primary health care.
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A growing number of CHC’s provide dental and mental health services as well as primary medical care.
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There are more than 28 non-profit community corporations in Virginia operating in Virginia with 101 service sites (see map).
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Community Health Centers treat uninsured patients as well as those with insurance.
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Health care services are provided on a sliding scale fee basis.
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Virginia’s Community Health Centers provide care to more than 240,000 patients each year. |
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Find out more about receiving care at one of Virginia's Community Health Centers. |
Other Health Safety Net Providers
Community organizations, hospitals and health departments also provide care to uninsured Virginians. Learn more about these Other Health Safety Net Providers:
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Beyond free clinics and community health centers, a variety of local and statewide community resources provide health-related services, such as vision or dental care, medical care, or assistance with health insurance issues;
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Depending on a patient's financial and medical needs, Virginia hospitals may provide free or discounted care; |
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In some communities across Virginia, local Health departments may provide primary medical and/or dental care; and |
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Across Virginia, there are a number of locations providing dental care. Depending on the site, care may be available for children-only, adults-only, or both children and adults.
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