Access to a Health Clinic

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the rate for uninsured people increased from four million in 2001 to 7.2 million in 2009. Health care clinics around the country help citizens in under-served communities access health care.

Medically Under-served Population Clinics

• Health care clinics in Medically Under-served Areas (MUAs) and Medically Under-served Populations (MUPs) offer health services based on a sliding fee scale and ability to pay. Citizens can access a variety of comprehensive medical services such as preventative care and dental services. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has links to health clinics in all 50 states.

Federally Qualified Health Centers

• Federally Qualified Health Centers provide health care services for under-served populations, migrant workers and individuals facing homelessness. Grant funded health centers must adhere to Medicare/Medicaid standards to receive funding.

Rural Health Clinics

• Rural health care clinics helps consumers access medical services in rural areas where primary physicians are scarce. The shortage of providers makes it difficult for rural patients to receive appropriate preventative care (e.g., diabetes care). The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 provides more opportunities for rural residents to access these vital services. Individuals can find rural clinics listed by state and county on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services site.