Poor people often go without basic medical care.
Medical treatment is one of the basic survival needs that human beings have, and yet many Americans go without proper care each year because they are too proud to seek help, are mentally ill, or don't realize that there are programs in place to assist them. These problems are further compounded by the fact that the cost of living has increased at breakneck speed but poverty levels have not been changed in decades.
Community Mental Health
The mentally ill are the fastest growing population of poverty stricken individuals who go without health care. The primary reason is that the mentally ill often have no insight into their conditions, and therefore do not seek help. Not only can we not force them to get the medical attention they need, but they have to either be a threat to themselves or others to be mandated into treatment. Most people living on the streets have some form of mental illness. Community Mental Health is an excellent state program that does not disqualify a patient based on their inability to pay.
Free Local Heathcare
Some people are not receiving the federal or state medical help that they need because they do not meet income and asset guidelines that have been long ago outdated. These aspects of income-to-output ratios are dreadfully unbalanced. A new source of medical help for the poor has been springing up in counties within states, by filing for government grants. An example of this is the TenCon Healthcare Plan in Michigan, which offers medical assistance to nine counties across the state. In addition, pharmacies such as Walgreens offers free vaccinations, and Community Health Departments offer free annual exams and medical screenings such as mammograms.
Free or Reduced Dental Care
Dental coverage is often not covered by state Medicaid plans, but can be acquired through your child's school. Another option are Mobile Dentists, who travel from school to school and offer basic treatments such as dental cleanings, x-rays, and fillings. They do not discriminate based on a child's ability to pay. There is a sliding fee scale for those who have insurance and those who do not have insurance. An unemployed worker or family who is working at the national poverty level would be entitled to free services.
Prescription Help Programs
Encourage the use of natural remedies before turning to pharmaceuticals because they can be less costly and work just as efficiently. If pharmaceuticals are necessary, patients should be encouraged to apply for assistance programs at major research facilities such as Astra Zeneca. There is a prescription savings program for nearly every pharmaceutical drug on the market and they operate much like Community Mental Health, with a sliding fee scale. Patients pay by their ability to afford necessary medications.
Tags: because they, Community Mental, Community Mental Health, Mental Health, have been, have insurance, medical help
