The Free Access Health Clinic, led by neurologist Dr. Waqar Waheed, provides essential medical services to uninsured and underinsured Vermonters through a volunteer-driven model that removes financial barriers while expanding access to specialty care.
A vital new healthcare resource has opened its doors in South Burlington, Vermont. The Free Access Health Clinic offers free medical services specifically designed for individuals facing difficulties accessing healthcare, whether uninsured, underinsured, or otherwise underserved.
The clinic’s mission goes beyond simply providing care—it actively bridges critical gaps in the healthcare system.
“Many people in our community face barriers to healthcare access, whether due to lack of insurance, high costs, limited provider options, transportation difficulties, or challenges navigating the healthcare system,” the clinic explains on its website. “These obstacles often delay necessary care, leading to preventable health issues.”
Despite Vermont’s relatively low uninsured rate of 3.4% (compared to the national average of 8%), the state has some of the most expensive healthcare and health insurance in the country. According to KFF, a nonprofit health policy research organization, many Vermonters with insurance still struggle to afford care due to high deductibles and monthly premiums.
What distinguishes this initiative is its comprehensive approach to care. Beyond primary care, the clinic offers specialized consulting services in many specialty areas, including dermatology, neurology, pulmonary disease, sleep medicine, infectious disease, and cardiology. The website also mentions psychiatry and mental health services as part of their expanding specialty offerings. For patients requiring advanced care beyond what the clinic provides, staff connects them with appropriate resources to navigate the broader healthcare system.
This initiative is entirely volunteer-run and community-funded, with all donations directly supporting patient care. Currently, 31 volunteers comprise the team, including physicians, medical assistants, nurses, and administrative staff. The organization continues to seek additional volunteers, particularly specialists, phlebotomists, and front desk support.
“It’s been a meaningful project, and we’re hoping it can make a real difference for those who often fall through the cracks,” Dr. Waheed said in an email to the Burlington Free Press. As both a neurologist at the University of Vermont Medical Center and a professor at the Larner College of Medicine, Waheed spent two years working to establish the clinic.
In the email, he emphasized the broader vision: “We’re offering more than free health care − we’re offering the opportunity for our patients to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Through volunteerism, community donations, and a shared mission, we are providing essential medical services while also connecting individuals with the resources they need for advanced treatment when necessary.”
Read the original article by Dan D’Ambrosio at the Burlington Free Press: A free health care clinic for the uninsured and underinsured has opened: What to know
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