The reality for those without health insurance is, “You just wait until there’s a crisis that happens and deal with it then.” No dentist until the teeth are rotting, Super Glue instead of stiches, an emergency room visit when pain gets too bad. Utah’s community health centers are offering an alternative.
The strategy of the 29 community health centers that are part of the Association for Utah Community Health is to get people early and consistent treatment so that they do not need to rely on emergency room care. They provide medical, dental, mental and pharmaceutical benefits without regard to a patient’s ability, with any fees based on a sliding scale. They receive state funds to care for the uninsured and also rely on a network of volunteers and hospitals for more specialized care.
National studies have found that this type of care is less expensive than emergency room treatment and ends up requiring less hospitalization. “A 2007 study funded by the National Assocaion of Community Health Centers found their patients’ medical expenses are $1,800 les than patients seen anywhere else.”
One problem: The centers are all operating at capacity, meaning some people just can’t get in. But it is an approach with tremendous potential.
Read more about Utah’s community health centers.
Tags: Health