French 500 Free Clinic expands services

May 26--GALLIPOLIS -- The vice president of the French 500 Free Clinic says it is now in a position to serve not only the uninsured residents of Gallia County, but also those who have little or no health coverage throughout the Ohio Valley.

This geographical expansion includes Gallia, Meigs, Jackson and Vinton counties in Ohio, as well as Mason County, W.Va., and beyond.

According to Paul Sebastian, there no longer is a geographical limit.

"Since the passage of the Affordable Health Care Act, also known as Obamacare, more people are now covered by health insurance. Nevertheless, there are millions of people who still are not covered," he said. "Many people find health insurance to be so expensive that they prefer to pay the fine. Those of very low income may qualify for excellent coverage through the expansion of Medicaid."

Among those who are covered, Sebastian said many people cannot afford deductibles and copays. These underinsured people, he said, also need help.

"The French 500 Free Clinic is now willing and able to serve both the uninsured and the underinsured," Sebastian said.

The free clinic has eliminated age restrictions except for children younger than 6 who are covered by the Gallia County Health Department and other governmental agencies. Within the family income guidelines, eligible children younger than 18 can obtain extensive coverage with no deductible or copay through the Department of Job and Family Services, 848 Third Ave., Gallipolis..

The French 500 Free Clinic is open between 1-4 p.m. on the last Thursday of the month, excluding holidays and inclement weather that would cause schools to close. If the demand is sufficient, increasing these hours would be considered. The free clinic occupies part of the Hillcrest Clinic at 258 Pinecrest Road in Spring Valley, next to The Arbors nursing home facility.

The clinic is staffed by physicians and registered nurses with access to a chiropractor, social worker and counselor. These and other volunteers give their time freely to serve the community. Patients are examined and treated by licensed medical practitioners and professionals. Each doctor is assisted by a registered nurse.

When necessary, Sebastian said the medical facility and its physicians refer patients to an appropriate specialist. They assist patients with lab work and prescriptions.

The clinic does not dispense pain medications, Sebastian said.

"Being very dependent upon donations and volunteers, we are acutely aware of our responsibility to our donors in addition to our patients," he said.

Reach Michael Johnson at 740-446-2342, ext. 2102, or on Twitter @OhioEditorMike.

___

(c)2015 The Daily Sentinel (Pomeroy, Ohio)

Visit The Daily Sentinel (Pomeroy, Ohio) at www.mydailysentinel.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.