Using Free Health Care Clinics

Most areas will have some sort of free health clinics for those that meet certain income requirements. If you are looking for free or low cost health care, then you may want to consider a free health clinic. These clinics are usually limited as to the services that you can get there. You will just want to call around in your area and see what they have to offer. Most economical assistance offices in the area will be able to point you in the right direction when it comes to your health care needs on a budget.

What they Have to Offer

The first thing that you will want to do is find out what the free health clinics have to offer. Many of them will provide you with low or no cost immunizations that you may need. They will also offer lab work and pregnancy tests for free in most cases. You will also find that they give flu shots each year before flu season to help prevent illness. They will generally provide more preventative medical options rather than treatment options. They can usually provide treatment for certain things, but you will want to call in advance to find out.

Who Qualifies for Free Health Clinics

Before you make an appointment at your local free health clinic, you should take some time to make sure that you qualify. There is usually some sort of application that you must complete to make sure that you can be seen at this clinic. It is usually open only to those that meet certain requirements when it comes to their income and employment. It is also not usually open to those that have medical insurance. If you cannot afford medical insurance, then you may want to seriously consider visiting a free health clinic to find out your options.

Appointments vs Walk-Ins

The next thing that you will want to determine is whether or not they accept appointments. Many free health clinics will work on a walk in basis only. This means that you are seen on a first come first served basis. If this is the case, then you should really be prepared to wait in line, especially during the cold and flu season. However, if they will allow you to make an appointment ahead of time you will want to go ahead and do this. This will ensure that you are able to get in and out in a reasonable amount of time.

Finding the Free Health Clinics in Your Area

You may not even be aware if there are clinics in your area that are there to serve those with lower incomes. The truth is that most states will have some sort of options available to you. It may even be located within your local health department. Simply search online for free health clinics in your geographic location and you are sure to find one or more. There may be certain residency requirements, and you will want to determine this ahead of time.

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