Problem with free health clinic

I am trying to find out if I qualify for a local free medical clinic. I emailed them to ask about the proof of household income because some places deny people if the income is over a certain amount. So I wanted to find out what that amount is. They emailed me back saying this, "we can not give out information with specifics to a monetary limit."

What the heck does that mean? It doesn't even sound like they answered my question. How am I supposed to know if I qualify? I don't know what to make of this.

What a goofy answer! Though, it could make sense if they based the income on a variety of things such as family size etc.

Go down and fill out their application.

Originally Posted by Natalie_ca

What a goofy answer! Though, it could make sense if they based the income on a variety of things such as family size etc.

Go down and fill out their application.

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Maybe they will be more helpful in person? I hope so.

Sounds like income isn't the only consideration to qualify; they need a bigger picture of your situation than just income.

Originally Posted by SwampWitch

Sounds like income isn't the only consideration to qualify; they need a bigger picture of your situation than just income.

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Many times the $$$ amount is tied to how many people in the family... Generally most places use the Government Poverty level as the standard... some go up to 250% of the poverty level their qualifying guideline

Can you just go in , many times they do not like phone calls as people make alot of stuff up...

Here is a basic link for 2009 guidelines
http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/09poverty.shtml

http://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/Fo...1/Default.aspx
this one has 100-185% charts

I can't just go down there because I don't have a vehicle. My mother would have to take off work to take me. I don't want to go all the way there only to find out I don't qualify.

I heard back from one of the other people there that I emailed and they basically said I have to provide proof of income and they will need at least 3 of my pay stubs. I don't have a job and don't collect unemployment.

If I have to go by the poverty guidelines, then I don't qualify. I think that's stupid. I live with my parents, one of which is disabled and can't work. Their income is crap. Yet, they make too much for me to qualify, but can't afford to pay (or loan me money) for me to see a doctor. It's not right that I might not qualify for the clinic because of their income.

To make it worse both people (who are in charge) at the clinic gave me contradicting information about their dental services.

I can't get a job until I get both my physical and mental illnesses treated. Yet, I can't get them treated unless I have a job. ?

Have you contacted your local disabilty office? they possibley can help you... You may be able to get proof of income via a bank statement also .... Sometimes they go off just you if you are over a certain age ( ie 24 I think)

I would suggest instead of talking to them via email to give them a call and talk to them and explain your situation. In many cases income is not the only factor, it can be based off of family income, # of family members, services needed, and health of family. If you give them a call and discuss your situation with them you will probably get more answers as its actually communicating with a person rather than just emailing a mysterious person on a machine. I personally HATE calling and talking to people, but I have found out you get correct information and more helpful information by doing so.
I had to have a few medical tests done early this year and could not afford it. For me my dad bumps me out of all income related assistance (I'm 23 so most companies still assume my parents will help) but my dad will not pay a dime for anything I need like that. But I was referred to a volunteer organization that completely covered my needs. But I would not have known about this if I had not gone into the doctors office to talk to them. It was a program a physician had to send a referral sheet for you and then you had to be accepted. It was a great program and paid for my CT and MRI as well as getting my wisdom teeth out! So you may want to give your doctors offices a call and see if they can help in any way!

My mother qualified for a free clinic because she has no income herself, even though she lives with my brother and sister-in-law whose joint income was more than enough to disqualify her. They said that since my brother was not legally obligated to pay for her care, she qualified since she had no income. So this clinic may not need to calculate in your parents' income if you are over legal age.

My mother called and called and kept getting contradicting information. Finally I had to drive down and take her myself (I live in another state 4+ hour drive away) just to find out the information, and then she had to come back another time for her appointment. I know it is frustrating. Is it possible to get a friend to take you instead of your mother having to take off work?

Good luck!

It's so frustrating to see or hear about people who need help but can't get it. I'm sure you probably already done this, but have you contacted your local health department or DSS for information on how to get assistance? I know someone who was unable to work, yet kept getting turned down for disability. He kept trying different resources (which I know would be hard for you due to transportation) until finally a doctor agreed and did the paperwork. Please keep us posted and don't give up.

I'm on Medicaid and receive food stamps for myself and Bobby. Live with my parents who are comfortable money wise(not rich but they can cover their bills and have some left over to save), but I'm 31 so Bobby and I count as our own family without my parents.

I think it might be 26 that you are considered your own person, or at least it is in IL but I could be wrong.

Taryn

Originally Posted by Taryn

I'm on Medicaid and receive food stamps for myself and Bobby. Live with my parents who are comfortable money wise(not rich but they can cover their bills and have some left over to save), but I'm 31 so Bobby and I count as our own family without my parents.

I think it might be 26 that you are considered your own person, or at least it is in IL but I could be wrong.

Taryn

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you might be right.

Originally Posted by Taryn

I'm on Medicaid and receive food stamps for myself and Bobby. Live with my parents who are comfortable money wise(not rich but they can cover their bills and have some left over to save), but I'm 31 so Bobby and I count as our own family without my parents.

I think it might be 26 that you are considered your own person, or at least it is in IL but I could be wrong.

Taryn

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26?! Here it's 18 years old....once you reach the age of majority, unless you are in university full-time, you are cut off from everything under your parents' name. If you are in university full time, some companies allow you to still be under the parents' benefit packages until 25 years old. If you aren't in school full time, you are on your own so far as benefits and legal obligation to be supported once you reach 18 years old.