How free clinics reduce healthcare costs for employers and taxpayers
By: Jason Koma – Executive Director, Charitable Healthcare Network
For thousands of Ohioans, the free and charitable clinics within the Charitable Healthcare Network (CHN) are the only option for accessible, high-quality healthcare. Beyond their life-changing impact on patients, these clinics reduce healthcare costs for businesses and taxpayers while strengthening Ohio’s workforce.
The business case for free and charitable clinics
A recent poll from Gallup and Emory University found that U.S. citizens rank access and affordability as the top healthcare issue, while the safety net system ranks fourth. CHN is Ohio’s healthcare safety net, ensuring uninsured and underinsured residents receive the essential care they need — including primary, specialty, vision, dental, behavioral health and pharmacy services — at the quality they deserve without financial hardship.
CHN serves working families, caregivers, small business owners, students, retirees and full-time workers who lack health insurance. These individuals keep Ohio’s communities running, yet they often face significant barriers to healthcare.
In 2024, the 56 free clinics and charitable providers within CHN delivered more than 715,000 healthcare services to patients in 86 of Ohio’s 88 counties, a nearly 10% increase from the year prior. The total value of care provided to Ohioans in need reached almost $225 million, preventing costly medical emergencies, keeping Ohioans healthier and reducing the financial strain on businesses and hospitals.
The economic impact of accessible healthcare
When individuals lack access to primary and preventative care, they often turn to emergency rooms as a last resort and their only option. A single ER visit can cost more than $3,000, an expense that is often passed on to hospitals, insurers and taxpayers. CHN helps alleviate this burden by providing low to no-cost healthcare services to keep Ohioans healthier and out of emergency rooms.
A healthier workforce isn't just about well-being; it's a financial imperative. According to an Integrated Benefits Institute (IBI) report, chronic illness costs U.S. employers an estimated $530 billion annually in lost productivity and absenteeism. CHN's work directly mitigates this burden by providing access to preventive care and essential medications to control chronic conditions before they get worse.
Consider the case of a single mother of two who faced a devastating lapse in coverage after receiving a 50-cent raise at work. This minor increase resulted in the loss of her Medicaid benefits, leaving her unable to afford the medication she needed to control her chronic asthma. However, thanks to the Beacon Charitable Pharmacy in Canton, she was able to receive her inhalers at no cost, allowing her to continue working and receiving a paycheck.
In 2024, CHN clinics filled more than 347,000 prescriptions, ensuring that chronic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular (heart) disease are managed effectively rather than turning into high-cost medical emergencies.
Another patient, a housekeeper and breast cancer survivor, struggled to afford diagnostic tests despite being employed full-time. Physicians Care Connection in Columbus helped her receive essential medical care, ensuring she remained in the workforce without facing financial ruin.
This kind of intervention prevents minor health concerns from escalating into life-threatening and work-limiting conditions, keeping Ohio’s workforce strong and stable.
Why continued investment matters
CHN’s public-private funding model ensures high-impact returns, with every dollar invested generating nearly $10 in healthcare services. This efficiency has earned continued support from Governor DeWine, the Ohio legislature, and the Ohio Department of Health. In 2024, a $1.75 million state investment enabled CHN providers to deliver nearly $225 million in care, preventing unnecessary ER visits and reducing costs for businesses and taxpayers alike.
More than 700,000 Ohioans are uninsured, and without CHN, they would be forced to delay care, leading to more severe health conditions and greater economic strain on businesses, hospitals and taxpayers.
Investing in the Charitable Healthcare Network means investing in stronger communities, a more productive workforce and a more stable economy. Ohio’s business community, healthcare leaders and policymakers all have a role in ensuring that CHN’s network of healthcare providers remains available for those who need it most.
Supporting CHN isn’t just an act of goodwill; it’s a smart financial decision. Learn more here about how CHN is making healthcare more accessible and affordable across Ohio and discover ways to get involved in strengthening Ohio’s healthcare safety net.
The Charitable Healthcare Network (CHN) is Ohio’s statewide safety net, supporting 56 free and charitable clinics that provide essential medical, dental, vision and pharmacy services. By delivering free, high-quality care, CHN helps uninsured and underinsured residents stay healthy, reducing healthcare costs for businesses and communities alike. Learn more at charitablehealthcarenetwork.org/2024impact.html.
