Frequently Asked Questions
What is a free clinic?
Free clinics are nonprofit, community-based organizations that provide medical care at little or no charge to low-income, uninsured persons through the use of volunteer health care professionals, partnerships with specialty health care providers, and, in some cases, through hired health care staff.What does the typical free clinic patient "look like"?
A free clinic patient looks like the person in line with you at the grocery store, or in the pews with you at church. A patient is typically high school educated, perhaps with some college experience, and is often working, but either can’t afford, is not offered, or is not eligible for health insurance (“the working poor”). Sometimes, a person may lack health insurance because they work more than one part-time job when full-time employment with benefits is not available. In terms of ethnicity, patients typically match the makeup of the community.What types of services do free clinics provide?
Free clinics provide medical and dental care, as well as
prescription medications, for low-income, uninsured and other
vulnerable populations in 72+ counties and cities across the State.
In some clinics there are specialty services provided, even in some
cases mental health care.What is the difference between free clinics and local health
departments?
Free clinics are not public agencies and are not run by the
government, as local health departments are. Free clinics,
therefore, are dependent upon the generosity of the community, as
well as grants, to sustain operations.How many free clinics are there?
In North Carolina there are 79 free clinics who reach and serve 53
of the 100 NC counties. The first free clinic was opened in
Winston-Salem in 1972. Free clinics are connected with one another
for the exchange of information and ideas, etc. by the North
Carolina Association of Free Clinics, with an office in
Winston-Salem. North Carolina has the largest Free Clinic
association in the country serving both rural and urban locations
throughout the state. What impact did the free clinics make in 2009?
During 2009, in North Carolina, $167,629,250 in free healthcare
services were delivered to uninsured patients. The volunteer
workforce equaled 6,200+ volunteer healthcare professionals and
dedicated community volunteers-donating more than 262,000 hours of
service. Where do free clinics obtain their funding?
Free Clinics raised $83.3+ million in funding from the private sector and $32.6+ million from in-kind donations to operate in 2009. Funding comes primarily from the private sector( e.g. foundations, businesses, civic organizations, churches, and individuals, etc.) Clinics provide an outstanding value for the contributions they receive. A $22 million grant partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation is supporting the development and impact of Free Clinics throughout the state.
Who can receive health care services at Moore Free Care Clinic?
A person must be a resident of Moore County, lack health insurance,
and receive income at or below 150% of the federal poverty guideline
to be eligible for the services of the clinic. (When the clinic
first opened in 2004, the eligibility base was 100 percent of the
federal poverty guideline.) The 2009 federal poverty guideline for
an individual is $16,245, or $33,075 for a family of four (150%).
U.S. citizenship is not a criterion for services at Moore Free Care
Clinic. Please see section on Eligibility for complete information.What types of services are provided at the clinic?
The clinic provides high-quality primary and preventive medical
care, mental health care and prescription medications. Medications
are provided either through financial assistance from the clinic, or
temporarily with samples, but, for the most part, the clinic enrolls
its patients into the prescription assistance programs offered by
the pharmaceutical companies. The clinic has established specialty
clinics for: chronic disease management, cardiology, orthopedic,
ENT, physical therapy/back, ophthalmology, neurology, dental, and
mental health. In special circumstances, the clinic arranges for
off-site specialty care referrals. The clinic also provides resource
information, health education, and focused laboratory and radiology
tests. In the summer of 2007, the clinic will begin providing
mentors to patients to assist them with health education, advocacy,
and health care compliance.Are all services free of charge?
Yes, all health care services are free of charge. Both as a means to
support the clinic and as a way to have patients take an active role
in the maintenance of their health, the clinic offers patients the
opportunity to give a donation for health care or prescription
drugs. In some cases, patients are given prescriptions for generic
medications and are encouraged to fill the prescription at
pharmacies that charge a very low fee for generic prescriptions.Who provides patient care at the clinic?
While there is a paid staff of five full-time employees, medical and
nursing volunteers also care for patients. All medical providers are
licensed by the state.Does the free clinic provide obstetrical services?
No. Patients requesting pregnancy information are referred to other
established community agencies, such as the Moore County Department
of Health, obstetrics practices or counseling services.How can I volunteer?
The clinic relies on the generous time of dedicated medical
professionals and lay volunteers who are willing to make a true
difference in the health of the Moore County community. Volunteers
may work either daytime or evening hours. We are looking for medical
professionals such as: physicians, nurses (R.N., L.P.N.),
pharmacists, lab technicians, nurse practitioners and physician
assistants to name a few. Our lay volunteers serve as patient
eligibility reviewers, patient mentors, receptionists, general
office and data entry staff, Spanish language interpreters and
translators, and assist in the development and implementation of
fundraising events. Please visit our website, www.MooreFreeCare.org,
for an updated listing of our needs.How do I contribute?
Moore Free Care Clinic operates as a private, non-profit 501 (c) (3)
corporation. You can aid the work of the clinic by considering a
tax-deductible contribution to the clinic. The clinic also welcomes
donations of goods and services that will support community based
efforts to care for the uninsured. The clinic has established a
foundation for those who would like to give toward long-term support
during their life time or through proceeds from a will or estate.
Every donation makes a difference, so please consider showing your
support by contributing today. For more information on contributions
please contact the clinic.Our Clinic contact information is:
211 Trimble Plant Rd. Suite C Southern Pines, NC 28387 Tel: 910.246.5333 Fax: 910.246.5330 Website: http://www.MooreFreeCare.org
Email: mfcc@moorefreecare.org
Copyright © 2007 Moore Free Care Clinic, Inc. April 2007
