Monday, May 9 2011 2:10PM
Doctors in Amador County are glad local patients are receiving additional healthcare coverage through state grants.
Citing a high number of citizens in Amador County who have health issues or live in poverty or isolation, the Ledger Dispatch reports doctors and medical industry members in the area are glad to see rural community grants come in for healthcare coverage.
The paper states the California Healthcare Foundation announced money from the federal government's $10 billion public health coverage expansion plan will soon flow to rural counties throughout the state. Many doctors state the money couldn't have come at a more appropriate time given the need for additional coverage among county residents.
"We see patients who can't find transportation to their appointments, or can't even afford the gas to come down here," Dr. Matthew Watson, chief doctor of the Jackson Rancheria Health Complex, told the paper. "I've met plenty of patients who have been forced to choose between eating food that week and buying their medication."
He added that seniors in Amador County should benefit the most from the grants, as many private medical practices have turned away a substantial number of elder residents who can't afford coverage.
While seniors in Amador may receive healthcare coverage from the funds, the San Jose Mercury News reports budget cuts to day care for elderly California residents are forcing many of them into nursing homes.