Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: Why is Compassionate Health Center needed?
A: According to Stats Indiana, Fulton County has 11.4% of its population living at or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines.  Based on the 2007 population reported in the same document we had 2,315 persons living in poverty.  Many more of our Fulton County neighbors are living just above federal poverty level and cannot afford good preventative health care.  Today in 2009 it is estimated that 30-34% of our population does not have health insurance.

Q: How is Compassionate Health Center funded?
A: CHC does not receive federal or state funding.  The center relies on private donations from our community, grants and local fundraisers.

Q: Will Woodlawn Hospital own Compassionate Health Center?
A: No.  However, Woodlawn is a major supporter of the clinic and many Woodlawn employees are giving their time to help organize the center.

Q: How will the center be managed.
A: The center is managed by an administrator who is responsible for the daily operations of the center.  A board of directors will oversee all aspects of the center.  

Client/Patient Questions

Q: Who is eligible to be a client?
A: Any Fulton County resident who is uninsured, living below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level and does not qualify for any existing State or Federal sponsored program may be eligible.

Q: How will the screening process work?
A: A Fulton County resident who wishes to be a patient of the Compassionate Health Center will be asked to come to the clinic and fill out an application.  The client should bring proof of Fulton County  residency (driver's license, rental contract or utility bill).  Each client will also provide proof of total household income.  A volunteer will review the application and verify the information.  If all the information is confirmed and the client's income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, the clinic will notify the applicant when they are accepted as a patient.

Q: How do people apply?
A: Applicants will contact the clinic for an intake appointment.  At the scheduled appointment a volunteer will collect the following financial information for the household to deem eligibility.  The applicant must be uninsured, live in Fulton County, age 18 - 64 and not be enrolled in any state or federal healthcare program.  We don not take Medicare or Medicaid.

Documents Needed:
Financial Information - for each person living in household (We use total household income).
    1. Proof of Fulton County residency (example - utility bill)
    2. Current photo ID (driver's license or state issued photo id)
    3. Check stubs from the last 30 days
    4. Most recent federal tax information (IRS Form 1040)
    5. Social Security/SSI/SSD award letter amount
    6. Proof of benefits received (child support, township/energy/assistance or pension.
    7. Food Stamp letter with amount/Medicaid pending status or denial
    8. If no income then need proof of housing, utilities and food.
    9. Additional Financial Documents may be requested at your intake appointment

If the application is complete, the volunteer will make every effort to deem the applicant's eligibility at that visit.  If the applicant is missing information they will have 30 days to turn in paperwork.  A letter will be sent to applicant if they fail to complete the application or are denied.

Q: What services will be provided?
A: The client can expect to receive basic health exams, screenings, medication assistance and basic lab services.  The center will not provide emergent care.  If a patient has a cut, been in an accident or has extreme abdominal or chest pain, they should go directly to the closed hospital Emergency Room.

Q: What is the cost for services?
A: The services on site at CHC are provided without charge.  Your donation however, helps us to continue serving the needs of the uninsured in Fulton County.

A: A healthcare provided may order tests or services that are not covered.  The patient is responsible for these charges.  For example, if a patient has an X-ray, there will be a charge from the radiologist who reads your result.  We have worked with the radiology group to reduce the charges to CHC patients.  A referral to a specialist may also be necessary.  There may be a charge for these visits.

Q: How will I get medications?
A: Our staff may prescribe medications for you to treat your symptoms and the clinic may have medications provided by the manufacturer to give to you.  The staff will, when possible, use the $4 medications available through local pharmacies.  The center will also have trained volunteers to work with different pharmaceutical companies to arrange for free or low cost medications.  Each company has their own guidelines to qualify for free or reduced cost medications.  The volunteer will assist you in filling out the forms.  You will need to provide your personal and financial information.