Qualifications outlined for Lincoln County residents
TINA L. SCOTT
EDITOR
The St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) Free Clinic located at 1004 E. Main St. in Merrill (look for the red door) provides free basic healthcare services to Lincoln County residents who qualify.
Eligible patients include those who do not have health insurance, are underinsured, or have health insurance but cannot afford the high deductible; who are 18 – 64 years old; and who have income equal to or less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Individuals who have adequate health insurance, have Medicaid or Medicare, or receive veteran’s medical assistance are not eligible.
Sharon Karow, RN Clinical Manager, said community members making a moderate income with a high health insurance deductible may qualify for free primary medical care. For instance, “if you are making between $10.00 to $15.00 per hour and have a health plan deduction of $5,000.00 or more, you may qualify for our services,” she said. “If you are unsure if you qualify, stop in to see us.” You can also call the Free Clinic at 715.539.9566.
The St. Vincent de Paul Free Clinic is currently open every other Thursday from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., including on Sept. 30, Oct. 14, and so on.
“To assist you in knowing which Thursday we are open, there is a calendar in the window of SVDP Thrift Store indicating which Thursday,” Karow said.
Appointments are not needed, and patients are seen on a first come, first served basis, by local physicians, nurses, and staff.
Primary medical care, including limited lab and x-ray, are available.
“The clinic does have some limitations and does not offer specialty care, chronic pain care, or OB/GYN care,” Karow said.
The only cost to patients is for prescribed medications, she added.
Prescriptions for narcotics and ADHD medications are not available through the Free Clinic.