In Virginia, a diverse network of organizations provides health care to the uninsured. These “health safety net providers” primarily include free clinics and community health centers. Throughout Virginia, many hospitals, private physician practices, unique community programs, health departments, and other organizations also play important roles in the health safety net.
Free Clinics
Free Clinics are community based nonprofit organizations that rely primarily on volunteer health professionals to deliver primary care to uninsured patients.
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There are more than 50 free clinics in Virginia providing care to uninsured people statewide. |
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Free clinics target all of their services to uninsured adults, typically those who fall below 100%-200% of federal poverty level. |
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Most free clinics have limited hours of operation, typically in the evenings. |
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The level of services free clinic offers varies. In addition to primary care, some provide dental and/or mental health services. |
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Most free clinics also provide their patients assistance in obtaining prescription medications. |
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In 2005, Free Clinics provided 128,243 general medical visits worth $10.8 million, and 39,016 specialty medical visits worth $7.3 million. |
Community Health Centers
Community Health Centers (CHCs) are nonprofit organizations located in medically underserved areas of Virginia. They 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 30 community health centers in Virginia with nearly 90 sites.
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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 190,000 patients each year, a large percentage of whom are uninsured. |
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