LITTLE RIVER, SC (WBTW) – New numbers from one federal agency show unmet medical needs for many people who live in Horry County.
The Health Resources and Services Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, puts out an assessment every 3 to 4 years.
Horry County’s latest numbers came out earlier this month, it shows there are enough primary care physicians in the area, but there is a shortage of access to providers for people with low incomes.
The agency says that’s because of the high percentage of low-income people compared to the number of health providers that take Medicaid, Medicare, or use a sliding fee scale for those with insurance, but still can’t afford regular access to health care.
“At Little River Medical Center we make sure no one goes without services if finances or insurance is a barrier,” said Celeste Bondurant-Bell, director of community development at the center.
The medical center is one of two health care centers in the area that provides primary care to anyone who needs it.
“We will adjust the fees depending on their family size and income,” said Bondurant-Bell.
She said those needs continue to grow as more people come to Horry County.
“We do see people move to the area and are unable to find employment and end up being either at risk for homelessness or homeless; and we make sure they also get medical care,” said Bondurant-Bell.
In the past year, Little River Medical Center has expanded the number of sites low-income people can access to six, in an effort to help meet the area’s needs.
“We should all be invested in the importance of preventive care, and keeping people off medication and out of the emergency room,” said Bondurant-Bell.
Health care professionals say too often, low-income individuals rely on the ER as their primary care and that puts a strain on the whole system.
“We want to try to contain heath care costs and getting a client or patient the most appropriate care will benefit them in the long run,” said Tom McGee, Executive Director of AccessHealth Horry.
AccessHealth Horry s an organization that helps people with chronic conditions and without many resources get the care they need.
“If they are eligible for our program, we’ll help them, if they’re not eligible we’ll help them get their medications,” said McGee.
The organization provides access to specialists using a variety of funds as the need for services continues to grow.
AccessHealth Horry teamed up with area hospitals to provide care for 650 people using state funds, and more than 900 people are currently on that list.