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.

By: Phil Galewitz

Outlets: KFF Health News

Published: November 3, 2026

Words: 1,246

Last Updated: 6 days, 14 hours ago

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TAKOMA PARK, Md. — Friday night lights took on a whole new meaning at a high school here in this suburb of Washington, D.C.

Instead of fans packing stadium bleachers to watch football, on this recent October weekend the gymnasium, hallways, and parking areas were jammed with people desperately seeking healthcare at a free pop-up clinic.

The 2026 election season has been punctuated by affordability issues, with polls showing high healthcare costs are a …

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