Throughout 2020, VFRC continued to provide as many services as possible to vulnerable Vermonters. VFRC clinics assisted 7477 Vermonters, which was an 11% decrease over 2019, but still a 29% increase since 2010 and a significant accomplishment during COVID.
[Click here to download a printable PDF of the 2020 VFRC Annual Report Summary.]
Overview
In 2020, Vermont’s Free & Referral Clinics (VFRC) and its member clinics worked hard to address the issues presented by COVID-19. At first, most operations were shifted to remote technologies out of concern for the safety of patients, volunteer providers, and staff. Clinics now provide a mix of both in-person visits and telehealth services.
Throughout 2020, VFRC continued to provide as many services as possible to vulnerable Vermonters. VFRC clinics assisted 7477 Vermonters, which was an 11% decrease over 2019, but still a 29% increase since 2010 and a significant accomplishment during COVID.
VFRC Provided:
- 3,126 medical and dental visits
- 17,261 other services, such as referrals, free medications, or assistance with Medicaid or insurance enrollment
The value of these services in avoided Emergency Room and hospitalization charges is an estimated $4.9 million.
Who Are Our Patients?
In 2020:
- 37% were uninsured
- 31% were underinsured
- 35% reported delaying care
- 31% of our patients were NEW, meaning they had not been to our clinics before
- Only 15% were unemployed, with others being a mix of full-time, part-time, seasonal, retired, and disabled
- Most were at least high school graduates
- Most came to us through a referral from a health care provider or friends/family members
About Vermont’s Free & Referral Clinics
Vermont’s Free & Referral Clinics (VFRC), formerly known as the Vermont Coalition of Clinics for the Uninsured (VCCU), is an association of nine free clinic programs that provide medical and dental care on site or by referral, and enrollment assistance free of charge to Vermonters without adequate medical and dental insurance. The clinics are located throughout the state and are supported by the tremendous work of volunteers, community hospitals, local fundraising, and an annual grant from the state of Vermont.
The clinics help eligible people enroll in any of the Vermont Health Connect programs, including Medicaid, Dr. Dynasaur, BCBS and MVP, and if appropriate, provide health care either on site or by referral until that program takes over. They also provide assistance with prescriptions, sliding fee scales, hospital financial assistance programs, and other health needs.
There is never a charge or a fee for any of the services we provide. We leverage all the funding we receive with $4.4 million dollars of in-kind support from local hospitals, providers, and volunteers (see table below). In-kind services include medical and dental care, clinic facilities, x-rays, lab tests, free medications, and dental equipment.
Who Provided Free Clinic Services in 2020?
Many Volunteers
- 78 MDs (medical)
- 8 MDs (psych)
- 30 DMDs (dentistry)
- 58 RNs
- 33 Mid-levels (NP, MA, EMT, etc.)
- 3 Dental Hygienists/ Asst.
- 12 Mental Health Professionals
- 42 Medical and Dental Students
- 39 Medical Interpreters
- 350 Other Volunteers
Organized and assisted by 32 paid staff
Our 9 Member Free Clinic Programs Include:
Bennington Free Clinic – Bennington, VT
Medical and Dental Services
Good Neighbor Health Clinic & Red Logan Dental Clinic – White River Junction, VT
Medical and Dental Services
Health Assistance Program at the University of Vermont Medical Center – Burlington, VT
Referral Services Only
Health Connections at Gifford – Randolph, VT
Referral Services Only
Open Door Clinic – Middlebury, VT
Medical and Dental Services
People’s Health & Wellness Clinic – Barre, VT
Medical and Dental Services
Rutland County Free Clinic & Dental Clinic – Rutland, VT
Medical and Dental Services
Valley Health Connections – Springfield, VT
Referral Services Only
Windsor Community Health Clinic at Mt. Ascutney Hospital – Windsor, VT
Referral Services Only