High unemployment levels, lack of health insurance and tough times in general have led to an increase in demand for free health clinics

"The pattern of the kind of patient we're seeing now has changed considerably over the past few years," Dr. Barry Saltman said. "From the very neediest in the community in terms of unemployed and homelessness. We are now seeing men and women, families, where both are gainfully employed but the cost of health care is just too much for their pocket. They can't handle it."

Sen. Debbie Stabenow visited the Carefree Medical Clinic, a clinic that can provide free health care to those who qualify, to address concerns.

Stabenow said that since the passage of health care reform this year, $11 billion has been set aside for free health care clinics.

"I really view that as a bridge because right now we have people that don't have health insurance, and the full access to insurance doesn't take effect until 2014," Stabenow said. "So community health centers are a way that people in every community in michigan can find health care."

Stabenow said shes ready to help clinics apply for grants to get a piece of that $11 billion.

"Let me know because I will come behind you and help push on this," Stabenow told those in the health care industry.

Michigan recently recieved hundreds of millions of dollars from the federal government to boost Medicaid, something Stabenow says will help alleviate the demand for free health clinics as people will be more likely to afford a general physician.