Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Who does the typical free clinic serve?
Answer: We've always said, "If you've seen one free clinic, you've seen one free clinic." The clinics in the Association are as diverse as the communities that developed them. However, some general statements are true:
- Our patients are indigent. Some work at low-wage jobs, and some do not work. Each clinic has guidelines that determine eligibility on the basis of household size and household income as a percentage of Federal poverty level.
- Our patients have no access to medical insurance. They are ineligible for government programs and cannot afford commercial insurance policies.
- Our patients live in South Carolina. Some clinics serve a single county, while others serve a region within the state.