At the LICC - and in many churches across the nation - we often help people who have no health insurance and no idea where they can find treatment. Our Public Issues Committee has been compiling information on where those in need can receive care, and they are designing a survey of health-related ministries offered by congregations in our region. Here is what they know already about where you can send those in need of medical care:

CHILD HEALTH PLUS & FAMILY HEALTH PLUS

Provides free or low-cost health insurance for children and adults with family income of $16,000 to $40,000
877-543-7669/516-733-7009/516-483-1110 ext. 11/516-623-7400 ext. 122

MEDICAID

Covers low-income individuals and families - contact Dept. of Social Services

MEDICARE

Covers those over 65 - 800-772-1213

EPIC

A prescription plan for seniors with annual income of $16-40,000 - 800-332-2150

HOSPITALS

Every hospital is obligated to provide free care, in exchange for state subsides, but you may have to fight to get it.

COUNTY HEALTH CLINICS

Provide out-patient care on a slide scale, with 6 clinics in Nassau and 12 in Suffolk
The contact phone number for information and appointments for all of the health center sites in Suffolk is 631 439-1551.
The number for Nassau County Health Clinics is 516-571-3410.

STONY BROOK HOSPITAL FAMILY PRACTICE CENTER

Treats all regardless of ability to pay 631-444-2000

ROTOCARE

Operates a much-praised free clinic in Uniondale
Treats all, including the undocumented, Monday afternoons & Thursday evenings

NORTH SHORE-LIJ PEDIATRIC MOBILE HEALTH CENTER

For children up to 18; no one turned away due to inability to pay
Tues & Thurs, 9 to 5, at Hagedorn Center, 120 Greenwich in Hempstead
1-888-207-3714

SHRINERS HOSPITAL

Free care for some children; call 800-361-7256

PLANNED PARENTHOOD

Cancer screening; ob-gyn care for women; birth control & STI care for men
Sliding scale, no one turned away for inability to pay
6 clinics in Suffolk 631-361-7526
3 clinics in Nassau 516-750-2500

PEARLE VISION FOUNDATION

Eye surgery and optical devices - 214-241-3381

CATHOLIC CHARITIES/CATHOLIC HEALTH SERVICE

Parish health services across the island
Call 516-733-7045 for intake and referral

FRANKLIN GENERAL HOSPITAL

Prenatal care at 2 Main St. in Hempstead, Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to noon
516-256-6225

LONG ISLAND COUNCIL OF CHURCHES

Eyeglass and prescription assistance 516-565-0390/631-727-2210

PRESCRIPTION ASSISTANCE

Some prescription medications available at no charge for uninsured individuals, through the manufacturers' Patient Assistance Programs, which have various income and residency guidelines.
People can ask their doctors for help, or the social worker at their clinic, go online to www.needymeds.com, (those without a home computer may use the local library for free internet access), or try the local Office for the Aging for assistance.

SUFFOLK HEARING & SPEECH CENTER

Hearing evaluation & speech therapy for children 631-665-7772

GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL, WEST ISLIP

Free exams and screenings for uninsured, Thursdays 9 a.m. 631-665-4917

LUNG CANCER SCREENING

For those 60 and older 866-NY-ELCAP

FREE SCREENING FOR BREAST & CERVICAL CANCER

631-853-3765

THE MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION OF METRO NEW YORK

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York grants the wishes of children with life threatening medical conditions who live in Nassau County or the five boroughs of New York. There is no cost for the service; Make-A-Wish covers all expenses. Contact Make-A-Wish at 516-944-6212 to learn more.

If you know other options for free or low-cost care for those without medical coverage, please call Mary Dewar (718-276-9394), Tom Goodhue (516-565-0290), or Chris Veech (631-499-1680), or email licc@optonline.net.