Largest chain of clinics serving needy families in Chicago increases fees for uninsured patients

As thousands of people are losing jobs and medical coverage, the largest chain of medical clinics serving needy families in the Chicago area is raising charges for uninsured patients. Access Community Health Network will increase the minimum fee for an office visit to $45 come April 1, up from $15. The organization, which specializes in delivering primary care to low-income families, runs 51 clinics in Chicago and its suburbs, serving about 215,000 patients a year. The move is an attempt to stay afloat during perilous economic times, said Donna Thompson, Access Community's chief executive. Like other medical providers serving disadvantaged populations, Access Community is being squeezed financially by delayed Medicaid payments and growing numbers of uninsured patients.