Columbus is the third-largest city in Georgia. As of the 2000 U.S. census, 15.6 percent of the population lived below the federal poverty line. The Georgia Department of Community Health, along with volunteer-based providers such as the Georgia Free Clinic Network, work to provide health care to low-income Georgia residents who might not otherwise be able to afford these services.
Demographics
As part of Muscogee County, Columbus has a poverty level above the national average. According to the 2000 U.S. census, the national per capita income was $21,587, with 13.2 percent of the country below the poverty line. At that time, Columbus had a per capita income of $18,262, with 15.6 percent having an income below the poverty line. These are the people who need low- or no-fee health care services.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a federally funded, state-run health insurance program that sends payments directly to health care providers on behalf of eligible low-income, aged and/or disabled individuals. The Georgia Department of Community Health has posted the income eligibility for different categories of residents who may be eligible for Medicaid. As long as a resident on Medicaid sees an approved provider, he usually pays little to nothing for his health-care services or prescription medications.
Public Health Centers
There are 18 public health districts in Georgia, each of which has at least one public health clinic that offers services such as children's medicine, family planning and oral health to the public. Columbus is part of the West Central Health District and Clinic. There are four hospitals available to low-income residents: West Central Georgia Regional Hospital, The Medical Center, Doctors Hospital and St. Francis Hospital Inc. Patients should call in advance to confirm services and costs.
Georgia Free Clinic Network
The Georgia Free Clinic Network (GFCN) is a statewide association of free and charitable medical and dental clinics that are funded through donations and volunteers. According to the GFCN fact page, "80 percent of free clinic patients have one or more chronic illnesses, requiring extensive and ongoing medical care, care coordination and patient education." The Mission Columbus Medical Clinic is the nearest GFCN-affiliated clinic in Columbus.
Specialized Services
Specialized medical services, such as family planning, may provide additional options for low-income residents to get health care. The Georgia Family Planning Program (GFPP) offers confidential and voluntary services and is federally funded through Title X of the Public Health Service Act. It offers a wide range of family planning services and counseling. Services are provided on a sliding fee scale based on income. As of 2005, there were 15 GFPP clinics in the West Central Health District.
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