Internet of Helping Hands a Link to Free or Low-Cost Health Care Services
As an Oxnard Chiropractor I’m well aware that health care is expensive and that too many people go about their lives uninsured. Patients are powerful when it comes to speaking up for universal health coverage, but a comprehensive solution to the problem may be a long time coming (for those in need right now). Fortunately, there are patient advocates, i.e., nonprofit groups out there, particularly here in California, who are organized, informed, and ready to assist those in requiring free or low-cost health care services now to find the help they need.
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Thursday, July 2, 2009, 2:43pm PDT
Web site connects consumers to free health care
A Sacramento nonprofit has launched a Web site with a comprehensive listing of free or low-cost health care services for consumers.
The site, myhealthresource.org, is sponsored by Californians for Patient Care.
It provides information on health services throughout the state, including local, state and federal health care programs, insurance options, information about disease management prescription services, area hospital and clinics — along with locations and directions — mental health assistance, homeless resource and more.
A visitor simply enters a ZIP code, clicks on the category of interest, and is presented with information and a variety of options.
The online resource comes as unemployment continues to rise in the region and growing numbers of local residents lose their health insurance along with their jobs.
There are an estimated 250,000 people without health insurance in Sacramento County, said registered nurse Maria Robles, president of Californians for Patient Care.
“Sacramento’s teachers, firefighters and state government workers are losing their jobs at an alarming rate,” Robles said in a press release. The online service provides information on how to get coverage and/or treatment at no or low cost.
While the Web site is intended for consumers who need direction to services, doctors and other providers may want to use it to find out how to help an uninsured patient get access to further care.
Sacramento Business Journal – by Kathy Robertson Staff writer