Apr 5, 2018 4 min read

Even if you’re carrying around a medical insurance card, that doesn’t always mean you feel comfortable using it. In fact, even with more Americans covered by insurance, many still feel they can’t afford medical expenses. According to the Huffington Post, just 39 percent of Americans say they have enough in savings to cover an unexpected $1,000 bill — easily the price of a simple emergency room visit (even after insurance). If you’re avoiding the doctor — either for a minor checkup or a major issue — it’s time to get acquainted with the resources available to you.

Lower-cost providers are available

Finding a doctor is never easy. Finding out the bottom-line price of that doctor is even more difficult. For residents of Washington, Fayette and Greene Counties, there’s a lower-cost solution available for those in need of health services. Centerville Clinics are federally qualified health centers. That means they receive grant money to provide medical services to the underserved.

“We see all walks of life, but especially people who may have a hard time finding a doctor,” said Dr. Daniel Holt, medical director of Centerville Clinics.

You’re already qualified

In case you’re wondering if you “qualify” for services at Centerville Clinics, the answer is a definite “yes.”

“You qualify by breathing,” said Holt, who said the clinics never turn anyone away. That means you can see a doctor — or other medical professional — regardless of whether you have a current insurance card or money in the bank. How you’ll be charged depends on your current economic status.

It’s all-inclusive

Health services at Centerville Clinics are priced depending on your income. For patients without insurance, the clinics run on a sliding fee program.

“Those requirements are set by the government,” Holt explained. “The more you are under the poverty level, the less you’ll pay.”

Once a fee is set, everything involved in your visit — excluding medications — is covered.

“Let’s say you qualify for $25 a visit,” Holt said. “And if you needed two immunizations, lab work and a chest X-ray, that would all be covered under the $25 co-pay.”

Not only do the clinics provide high quality primary and preventive care for affordable prices but they also save the US Healthcare system money. Care received at health centers is ranked the most cost-effective because they are driven by lower utilization of costly specialty care, emergency departments and hospitals.

It’s not just medical

Medical services are important, but to ensure your optimal health, you need to pay attention to your teeth too. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 38 percent of Americans ages 18 to 64 haven’t seen a dentist within the past year. What many may not know is that low- or no-cost dental services are available as well. Centerville Clinics provide dental services in many of their locations throughout the area. To find one that provides dental services, visit Centerville Clinics online.

There’s one nearby

With a network of 11 medical offices throughout Washington, Fayette and Green Counties, there’s a Centerville Clinic near you. And if you’re wondering whether a community clinic is right for you, Holt assures that it is.

“A big misconception is that we’re just there to take care of the underserved,” he said. “But we’re really willing to, and do a good job of, taking care of everybody. And I think because we offer so many services, that’s a good thing. I would look at it as a positive part of what we do.”

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This article is brought to you by Centerville Clinics.

A journalism graduate from Brigham Young University, Kristen Price has experience writing in a variety of fields, including art and culture, health and fitness and financial and real estate services. Kristen has written for USA Today, SFGate and the Knot.