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Wheeling Health Right Offers Help to Federal Workers During Government Shutdown

Wheeling Health Right is offering prescription and medical assistance to federal employees affected by the government shutdown.

The Upper Ohio Valley’s free and charitable community clinic will temporarily accept patients whose insurance has lapsed or who cannot afford co-pays while not receiving a paycheck.

Executive Director Kathie Brown said the move is an effort to accommodate financial hardship that can occur when a new calendar or deductible year begins, resulting in larger co-pays for acute care visits and acute and maintenance medications.

“We realize medications are very expensive and may be difficult to afford while not getting paid,” Brown said. “Federal employees may also avoid going to the doctor for acute illnesses to avoid large co-pays. We hope to bridge the gap for our community members who need health care or prescription refills now.”

Wheeling Health Right’s on-site licensed pharmacy can help provide medicines to control diabetes or depression, for example, which can carry high price tags. Health care providers at the clinic also can treat illnesses such as sinusitis, influenza, bronchitis or sudden exacerbation of existing conditions.

Controlled substances are not available at Wheeling Health Right. Federal employees who need prescription assistance or acute medical care can call the clinic at 304-233-9323 and be prepared to show verification of federal employment.

Since Wheeling Health Right opened in 1985, the clinic has gained a national reputation for serving the uninsured and underinsured in the Northern Panhandle.

The clinic serves more than 22,000 residents of the community whose earnings are at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level. Wheeling Health Right expands programming continuously to adults in Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall and Wetzel counties in West Virginia and Belmont County in Ohio as new patient needs arise.

For more information about services, volunteer opportunities or eligibility requirements, call 304-233-9323.

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