PALCO provides a health care system for the uninsured of Lancaster County
Project Access Lancaster County (PALCO) started in 2007 out of thelocal medical community’sconcern for the for the uninsured in Lancaster County. Itoffers a coordinated healthcare network of volunteer physicians, other health care providers, hospital services, diagnostic services and pharmaceutical assistance to the low income, uninsured residents of Lancaster County. PALCO provides a temporary health care bridge for people who cannot afford health insurance, but who do not qualify for Medical Assistance, Veterans Benefits, or Medicare.
Through over nine hundred Health Care providers and the four area hospitals, PALCO has administered over $26 million in donated services which has resulted in significant decreases in emergency room visits by the enrolled participants. In addition, since enrolling in the programPALCO patients report improvement in their overall health. Over 780 former PALCO past participants now have insurance.
Lisa Riffanacht, executive director of Project Access Lancaster County or PALCO explains how the program works.
