Care Harbor LA–Free Healthcare Clinic At the Los Angeles Sports Arena September 27–30, 2012

One of the sponsors of the event is Healthy Way LA which is a free plan for certain individuals to get insurance that fall under the low income provisions and this is being promoted and discussed for those who may qualify.  If you are in the Los Angeles area and need medical or dental care or know someone who does, pass the word along.  Usually I’m ahead but this time for some reason I am running behind on the announcement here at the Quack and there’s still 3 days left and it’s a first come first serve basis.  BD

The Los Angeles Sports Arena
3939 South Figueroa Avenue
Los Angeles, CA

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Thursday, September 27
Friday,      September 28
Saturday, September 29
Sunday,   September 30

7:00 am to 5:00 pm
7:00 am to 5:00 pm
7:00 am to 5:00 pm
7:00 am to 5:00 pm

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Volunteer Today!

Healthcare professionals and general volunteers may register for half days or full days. Go to volunteers for additional information. Follow the simple instructions to register on line. All volunteers must register on this site to attend the event.

On-Site Services

Healthcare and educational services will include (see Volunteer page for specific specialties and services offered)

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Immunizations
• Acupuncture
• Mammograms
• Pap smears

• Women’s health
• Screenings
• Educational exhibits
• Mental health counseling
• Financial counseling
• Patient lectures
• Caregiver support

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On one side of the Los Angeles Sports Arena on Thursday morning, doctors treated patients for swollen feet, breathing problems and high blood pressure.

On the other side, county health workers began enrolling them in a free coverage program in preparation for the federal healthcare overhaul.

Many of the 4,800 people seeking care at the annual massive free clinic this weekend will become eligible for health insurance in 2014 when the national law takes effect. Organizers said raising awareness about the healthcare changes is crucial.

"It's as important as the care being delivered this year," said Howard Kahn, chief executive at L.A. Care Health Plan, one of the main sponsors. "We need to let people know about the coverage.  "

Some are already eligible for Healthy Way LA, a free health-coverage program for certain low-income county residents. The program is seen as a bridge to healthcare reform, because the enrolled patients will become eligible for Medi-Cal in 2014. Other county residents will qualify for subsidies to purchase healthcare under the state's insurance marketplace, the California Health Benefit Exchange.

Though more people will have coverage under the federal law, there will still be a need for clinics like the one at the Sports Arena, organizers said. For example, undocumented immigrants won't qualify for insurance under healthcare reform. Others may earn too much money for Medi-Cal but not enough to pay for other coverage, even with government subsidies.

http://www.latimes.com/health/la-me-free-clinic-20120928,0,5290965.story