PULASKI COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) — A big change could expand healthcare access for a lot of people in Pulaski County.
Since 1984, nearly 40 years ago, the Pulaski Free Clinic has been providing free healthcare to the county’s uninsured residents. Now, they are taking things one step further by accepting Medicaid patients as well.
“What we discovered was that, although the community the free services, they also needed Medicaid services,” said Linda Frank, Executive Director of Pulaski Free Clinic.
Frank says with Pulaski County being a small area, only a handful of doctors accept Medicaid. She adds, it can be hard to find a doctor who accepts Medicaid, especially one where the wait isn’t so long that it discourages a person to get the medical services they need.
This is why the clinic provides primary medical care to low-income adult residents of Pulaski County, who do not receive health insurance benefits in the workplace and who cannot afford private insurance, as well as those covered by Medicaid.
“Pulaski is doing its best to revitalize itself, and we firmly believe a big part of that is to have healthy citizens,” said Frank.
She believes it’s important to have a clinic or a Medicaid provider in Downtown Pulaski, where people can walk, can easily get a ride.
Director of Social Services, Guy Smith explains this change is opening doors for residents who cannot find affordable healthcare.
“Just coming out of the pandemic, you had a lot of individuals, some without insurance, that faced health challenges that nobody was prepared for, and many of these individuals did not have primary care doctors,” said Smith.
Smith also holds a position on the clinic’s board of directors.
When it comes to the hospital level, County Administrator, Jonathan Sweet believes this will lend a helping hand.
“Our whole healthcare system is reliant on the free clinic to keep our healthcare cost low at the emergency rooms and hospitals, to make sure we got capacity there,” said Sweet.
The Pulaski Free Clinic Provides the following:
- Primary medical care (regular medical office visits)
- Referral to specialists for additional testing or treatment if needed
- Lab work and diagnostics
- Diabetes management and education
- Medication Assistance Program is available for eligible patients to receive needed medicine and supplies
How to know if you qualify:
The clinic accepts anyone who is a resident of Pulaski County, Is over 18 and under 65 years old, is not insured, and is considered “Low-Income” as defined by the state of Virginia, meaning that your entire household income falls at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Guideline.
Total qualifying income:
- $40,770 for 1 person (just one person living in the household)
- $54,930 for 2 people (including children) living in the household
- $69,090 for 3 people
- $83,250 for 4 people
More information can be found on their website.
