A Few Miles From the US Capitol, Dozens Slept in Their Cars, Waiting for Free Care
If you’ve heard about how people are struggling with affording healthcare but haven’t been touched by it or seen it, then this pop-up clinic just outside Washington, D.C., put the problem on full display.
On a recent Friday night, a high school gymnasium and surrounding areas in Takoma Park, Maryland, were filled with people seeking free healthcare at a pop-up clinic. This event took place just eight miles northeast of the U.S. Capitol, highlighting the affordability concerns among likely voters in the 2026 election season. Despite the area having a median household income of over $108,000 and 94% of residents having health insurance, dozens of individuals slept in their cars overnight outside the Takoma Academy to secure spots for free care.
The clinic, organized by Remote Area Medical (RAM), attracted 467 patients on the weekend, with 99 receiving vision exams and many leaving with new eyeglasses. While most patients were uninsured, 25% had health coverage, yet many still faced unaffordable out-of-pocket costs. Alma Walton, a Medicare recipient, was among those needing dental care, waiting 1.5 hours before receiving a filling.
Nearly 40% of patients reported not seeing a dental provider in over two years, and two-thirds had no usual place for care other than emergency rooms.
The clinic involved over 700 volunteers, including dentists, medical professionals, and U.S. Public Health Service members. Patients with high blood pressure and diabetes were provided with a 90-day supply of pills and referrals to community health centers. Despite the efforts, many patients needed multiple extractions, leading to the clinic's unique "point-and-pull dentistry" method.
Written by urgent.news from KFF Health News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
