Genesis Health Systems

Are public health clinics really free?

I'm trying to set up an appointment for someone to get STD testing and they don't have insurance so I'm doing it at the local public clinic. I am very ignorant about public clinics so this might sound silly but are the services really free? also does the patient need to bring any documents? I'm going to call and ask tomorrow anyway but I'm just asking so I have a general idea.

Public Comments

1. yes
2. If you are on Welfare or any type of public assistance it usually is free. Make sure you take identification. If you work you need to take your last pay statement and your last years or this years W2 form. Generally if you work they go by your income. They usually have a set scale they go by and charge you according to your pay.
3. In my experience having worked for a provider of mental health care, those seeking public health care usually get it free only if their income or lack of meets limits which is usually very low. Otherwise I believe you have to pay some sort of fee.
4. They are supposed to be free because they are government funded.