Celebrating Free and Charitable Clinic Month
Honored by DuPage County Board

At a recent board meeting, DuPage County recognized our hospital partners and the thousands of medical volunteers who improve access to high quality healthcare for low-income uninsured residents of our community by declaring August as Free and Charitable Clinic Month. Special thanks to County Board Member Dawn DeSart for bringing forward the proclamation. Making the event even more special the County also commended DuPage County Health Department ED and DHC Board Secretary Karen Ayala for her tireless efforts, outstanding leadership, and endless good humor. We couldn’t agree more, Karen. You are a treasure. Pictured above from left to right: Karen Ayala, Dawn DeSart, and DHC team members Samantha Jacobsen, Karen Doyle, Kara Murphy, and Chairman Dan Cronin
Responding to Client Challenges; New Income Level Guidelines

Inflation grew at 8.5% in the last twelve months, exerting inflationary pressures not seen since November 1981, according to U.S. Labor Department data. While all community members are likely feeling the impact, recent polling showed that our current economic climate is disproportionately impacting Black, Latino, and Native American Households. Click here to read full results.

Despite its laudable qualities, DuPage County can be an expensive place to live, due to higher housing costs and limited public transportation. The hidden consequences of these realities are that families with even moderate incomes may struggle with food insecurity. In fact, Feeding America reported that a shocking 48% of food insecure families in DuPage County have incomes above 185% of the federal poverty level ($49,025 for a family of 4). To see their full report, click here. To see the location, eligibility, services hours, and contact information for every food pantry in DuPage County click here.

How we are responding - Effective immediately DHC has increased the income eligibility guidelines for both our Access DuPage and Silver Access programs from 200% FPL to 250% FPL. This decision was made with the full support from our hospital partners, in a shared commitment to provide the best possible care and resources to families living in our community.
Silver Access, generous help purchasing excellent health insurance

Our Silver Access program increases health care access for DuPage residents with income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. DHC pays a significant portion of their ACA health insurance premiums, providing extra help affording higher quality health plans. Members pay a portion of the monthly cost, and also pay 100% of the out-of-pocket costs of their healthcare. To learn more about the program download our flyer. (Available in Albanian, Arabic, Burmese, English, Farsi, Hindi, Polish, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese)

Please share news of this resource with your patients, clients, family members and neighbors before November 1st, when the 2023 ACA open enrollment period begins. Open enrollment ends January 15, 2023. A special note: very low-income families or individuals experiencing a recent job loss may be able to enroll today!

For further information about the health care marketplace visit https://www.healthcare.gov/.

If you would like to financially support Silver Access or any of DHC’s health equity initiatives, please click here to donate.