Free clinics filling the gaps in America
A new survey has found that free clinics are filing the gaps in public healthcare in America.
The survey, which was carried out at free clinics across the country, found that almost two million Americans depend on free clinics for dental treatment. According to the survey, around 3.5 million people benefitted from free health clinics between October 2005 and December 2006.
Free clinics have become increasingly popular since the recession hit, with many people losing their jobs and consequently losing medical and dental insurance policies provided by their employer. Without dental insurance, the cost of dental treatment is far too high for a large proportion of people, with routine examinations costing in the region of 100 dollars. Research conducted at free clinics has found that the majority of people who attend the free clinics are either unemployed or on a low income; immigrants and those without dental insurance also accounted for a large percentage of patients.
For many people, attending free clinics is the only way to get the treatment they need; however, there are not enough volunteer staff and resources to go round and sadly only a small proportion of the people who need help are being treated by these clinics. Currently, millions of people are struggling to afford dental treatment and many are going without the treatment they need in a bid to save money.
It is hoped that new health reform plans promoted by President Obama will help to ease problems with affordable care in the future.
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