Calif. programs reach out to give care to undocumented, uninsured

In California and North Carolina, local programs that help undocumented workers and the uninsured get care -- often without using federal funds -- are detailed.

California Health Report/HealthyCal.org:  Reaching Out To The Undocumented And Uninsured
Since Maria Alfaro and her family came to California from El Salvador eight years ago, getting sick has not been an option. … That might soon change. Alfaro last month connected with Lucy Moreno, a community health outreach worker, or promotora, who travels the countryside helping people apply for medical assistance.  Moreno told Alfaro about Riverside County's medically indigent services program, which provides basic preventive and emergency care for the poor, regardless of their immigration status. Excluded from the subsidized insurance that will come if the federal health overhaul takes effect, undocumented immigrants will be eligible for limited services provided by the counties, which will remain the health care providers of last resort (Potter, 6/17).

North Carolina Health News:  Program Helps Uninsured Get Free Medications
North Carolina's Medication Assistance Program allowed uninsured patients access close to $100 million in prescription drugs last year by helping them apply to pharmaceutical companies for assistance. A $1.7 million state allocation for the program is not included in the Senate budget passed last week (Hoban, 6/18).