Selina and Anthony Hames are working hard to get their GED's, after Anthony's job cut back his hours they say it's the only way they'll be able to provide for their family.
Anthony says, "I was five days a week now it is two days a week. We are pretty much just scraping it is putting a toll on the family a lot."
They make 500 dollars a month and they say that's not enough,especially if one of them gets sick.
Anthony says, "Sometimes I will keep it away from my wife if I don't feel good as long as my wife and kids are getting seen I will try to pay it off the best I can. I just don't want to put that extra burden on them."
Unfortunately many people in the upstate are like the Hames and having to go without medical care because the just cant afford to be sick. A new study out by Greenville Forward shows that 65,000 people in Greenville County are uninsured that's up from 41,000. 103, 000 people are underinsured or can't afford to get treatment.
Suzie Foley with the Greenville Free Medical Clinic says, "It is very expensive. You see many instances where the employee is covered but they just cant afford to cover their families."
She says as the economy tanks and more people move to our area more people need help.
Foley adds, "Certainly in the last five years we have seen more and more people come through our doors particularly for the first time. They may have never needed our services they may have never found themselves in the situation of choosing the rent or the doctor bills."
She says services like hers are growing but not as fast as the community because there's just not enough money.
As for the Hames, they say not being able to pay for treatments a desperate situation.
Selina says, "We are just barely scraping by just doing that making sure they have clothes. It is winter time. "
One they hope they can stay healthy enough to see pass. The study found that at least 72 percent of the uninsured people in the area do have jobs.
If you are have no insurance and need medical treatment click on these links: Greenville Free Medical Clinic or St. Luke's .
If you have insurance and need treatment at a reduced cost click on this link
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