California’s Bust: Uninsured Patients Stress Limited Resources at L.A. Clinics
by Nalea J. Ko

A study conducted by the Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County (CCALAC) found a 25% increase in uninsured patients seeking free- or low-cost health care at its member clinics within the last year.

The CCALAC represents 42 member nonprofit and free clinics with about 120 locations across the Los Angeles County. Last month, CCALAC health care officials queried member clinics in a one-week long survey to determine the number of newly uninsured patients seeking health care services.

The survey indicated that, “The economic downturn has had a major impact on the number of individuals and families seeking services in L.A. County. These significant increases in unemployment, the working and extreme poor, and the uninsured create a higher demand for safety net services.”

According to the survey, services at free and low-cost health clinics continue to “deteriorate,” as the patient population increases. Conducted from Feb. 23 to Feb. 28, the survey found that 44% of all patients needing care at CCALAC member clinics were uninsured. Of the new patients, 25% became uninsured within the last year.

“The health care safety net in L.A. County is comprised of the free community clinics, the county-operated clinics and the already crowded emergency room,” said Louise McCarthy, vice president of governmental affairs at the CCALAC, in an interview last month. She added, “Each of these systems is struggling to stay afloat while serving an ever-increasing demand for care.”

About 1.7 million people are out of work in California, according to the latest figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The unemployment rate in California climbed to 9.3 percent in December, and is currently at an all time high of 10.5 percent.

The struggle to meet demand at health care clinics has been worsening consistently over the years, said McCarthy.

“From 2006 to 2007, clinics in CCALAC’s membership saw a 9% increase in the number of patients served, an additional 21,600 uninsured patients and 31,600 patients relying on Medi-Cal for services,” she said.

A CCALAC study in 2008 determined clinics needed a 7% increase in capacity to service the patient population. McCarthy said there is a need “to shore up” CCALAC member clinics to equip health care providers to meet the increasing demand.

photo by jim fischer

california, community clini association of los angeles county, economy, free clinic, health care, louise mccarthy, southern california, unemployment, uninsured