Free clinics-- lifeline for the uninsured patients

CLEARWATER - For the millions of uninsured in the U.S. and the thousands who can't afford to pay for health care in Tampa Bay, free clinics become a lifeline. The Clearwater Free Clinic provides services for more and more patients who can't afford to pay for health insurance.

One of the patients at Clearwater Free Clinic is Connie Gerchak. She needs help treating a breathing problem but she has no health insurance.

"It's devastating. Because you know you're at the end of the rope," she said.

Gerchak is struggling to make ends meet and says she has no choice, but to come to the free clinic.

"Where do you come up with the money? Where do you get the money to pay it every month? Bills keep getting higher. You're looking at middle America," she said.

More than four million patients turned to free clinics nationwide last year.

So far this year, 58 percent more new patients visit Clearwater Free Clinic.