The Courier
News
Charity Clinic in Shoshone
Healthcare is a subject of much debate in America, although, most of what we hear from politicians and the media is empty rhetoric designed to blame one group or another without presenting real solutions. It is broadly claimed that 78,000 people in Idaho have no access to healthcare. This is based on a statistical “estimate” that 5% of our population earns too little to qualify for insurance assistance and too much for traditional Medicaid. The problem with this number is that, not having health insurance is not the same thing as not having access to healthcare. For many, self-pay is more economical than buying insurance. Also, numbers like this ignore the efforts that are going on in our state to help bring healthcare to low income families. Every hospital in Idaho provides some level of charity care. North Canyon Medical Center in Gooding provides about $400,000 in charity care each year, along with over $1 million in other services to the community. Of course, services received at hospitals are usually far more expensive than the healthcare provided by clinics. Since 2004, the Wellness Tree Community Clinic in Twin Falls has provided free medical and dental care to individuals in the Magic Valley, and the popularity of this clinic over the last several years has made it a challenge to keep up with the demand for services. Earlier this year, however, a new charity clinic was established in Shoshone. One evening a month, the Good Samaritan Clinic opens its doors at the Shoshone Family Medical Center (113 South Apple) to offer free medical services. The general requirements are simple: if you do not have health insurance and your income is less than $2010 per month, you can use this service (larger households have higher income limits). If your income is low and you have a high insurance deductible, you still might be eligible. Also, you do not have to live in Lincoln County (residents of Camas, Gooding, etc. can apply). This service does not cover prescriptions, hospital procedures, or services performed by medical specialist, even if the clinic provider makes a referral (waivers and/or vouchers may be available, but must be obtained in advance). To use the service, individuals must sign a waiver acknowledging State Statue Title 39-7703 which provides immunity from liability to healthcare providers who volunteer their services at a free clinic without compensation. Good Samaritan Clinic provider, Dr. Keith Davis, said no one should let the lack of insurance or income prevent them from seeking medical services. Don’t wait until you have an emergency to see a doctor. Call 208-886-2224 for more information.
News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
June 27, 2018
Vol 42 ~ Num 26
Know Before You Go! 4th of July in the Forest
If you plan to visit the Sawtooth National Forest during the Independence Day holiday (July 4th), “Know before you go,” suggests Sawtooth National Forest Supervisor Kit Mullen. What’s important to know? Fireworks are prohibited on all national forests year-round. Even if it’s “green,” please practice good sense by using caution with fire and smoking at all times, in all places. Responsible Motorized Use. Please stay on designated routes and obtain the appropriate travel maps before you go. On the Sawtooth National Forest visitors should carry the FREE Motorized Vehicle Use Maps, available at Forest Service Offices throughout South Central Idaho. Digital maps for mobile applications can be downloaded at: http://www.avenza.com/pdfmaps/store . Please do not go around a Road Closed Sign. Be Careful with Fire. While the Forest looks green, fire danger is an important concern. Fires can start very quickly and burn in vegetation that may seem green but is drying out at an alarming rate. There are no fire restrictions at this time. Please when leaving your campsite for the day or when leaving for home, “make sure your campfire is cold to the touch”. Keep it Clean to Avoid Bear Encounters! Bears often develop a strong liking for human and pet foods. Store food in hardsided vehicles or bear-proof containers; keep sleeping areas, tents and sleeping bags free from food and food odors; and wash up, change clothes and remove all scented articles nearby before going to bed. Wild bears avoid people, but bears conditioned to human food can be aggressive and may be euthanized if problems occur. Recreation Information. Baumgartner Campground is now open. Baumgartner Campground, located 14 miles east of Featherville, Idaho on the South Fork of the Boise River, is the “crown jewel” of the Fairfield Ranger District. The campground has 40 newly renovated sites thanks to a Recreation Vehicle grant from the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. Campground amenities include paved roads and spurs, picnic tables, fire rings, 10 restrooms, potable water and trash service. The campground also has a very popular hot pool that flows 111 degree water into a 12’ x 20’ tub.