Flagler Free Clinic Announces Expanded Eligibility

The Flagler Free Clinic will now be offering its services to a wider array of people, the clinic announced in a statement on Wednesday. The change comes as a result of new legislation passed in Florida, the statement says. The biggest change to the system is that the maximum annual income for one to be eligible for the free clinic’s services has increased from 200% of the federal poverty level to 300%. According to the federal government’s online healthcare portal, that number is $15,060 for an individual, $20,440 for a family of two, $25,820 for a family of three, and $31,200 for a family of four. Complete numbers are available here. “This legislation marks a monumental step forward in our mission to provide high-quality health care to those in need,” said Terri Belletto, Executive Director, Flagler Free Clinic. “With this expansion, we can reach more people than ever before, ensuring that our community’s most vulnerable members have access to the essential health services they deserve.” Also changing as a result of the new policies is the amount of funding given to mental and maternal healthcare, with an additional $10 million being allocated to institutions like the Flagler Free Clinic to administer these services. The money will be doled out via a grant program being conducted by the Florida Department of Health. The Flagler Free Clinic was founded in 2005 by Dr. John Canakaris, the county’s first ever physician some six decades earlier. He did so alongside Faith Coleman, an advanced registered nurse practitioner who was battling cancer without access to health insurance. Canakaris passed away in 2012, and Coleman lost her cancer battle in 2014, according to the Clinic’s website. “We are deeply grateful to the Florida Senate and all who supported this life-changing legislation,” added Belletto. “Together, we are making a profound difference in the lives of countless Floridians, offering hope and healing to those in need.” The Flagler Free Clinic is located at 703 Moody Blvd in Bunnell. General office hours are 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday through Thursday. Medical visits are by appointment only, per the clinic’s website. They can be contacted at (386) 437-3091, or at lwest@flaglerfreeclinic.org.