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Because Health Kentucky
was the subject of a recent letter to the
editor, I want to elaborate on the organization’s
mission and how it benefits thousands of
Kentuckians.
Across the country,
states struggle with providing health care
to citizens who can’t afford it. One
of Kentucky’s solutions has been Health
Kentucky, a non-profit organization that
has provided free health care to more than
200,000 patients since 1984.
Patients who qualify
can receive medical care and prescription
medications through a statewide network
of volunteer doctors, dentists, pharmacies,
hospitals, home health agencies, hospices
and pharmaceutical companies. Eligible patients
must be Kentucky residents, uninsured (without
insurance, Medicaid or Medicare) and have
an income below 100 percent of the federal
poverty level.
Nearly 3,000 physicians,
roughly half of those practicing in Kentucky,
voluntarily agree to see eligible patients
free of charge for the first routine office
visit. Subsequent visits are up to an arrangement
between the patient and physician.
Although Health Kentucky
is increasing outreach efforts, it remains
a well-kept secret and thousands of Kentuckians
still struggle with a lack of health care.
Our vision is that
all uninsured Kentuckians living in poverty
have access to health care. No one who has
applied and qualified for the program has
ever been denied care. Our biggest opportunity
is linking Health Kentucky to those who
might benefit.
We ask the public’s
support in telling people about this important
program. Individuals can find out if they
are eligible by calling our toll-free hot
line at 1-800-633-8100.
J Scott Judy
Executive Vice President
Health Kentucky
Louisville
Published:
Friday, April 19, 2002, Lexington Herald-Leader
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