The Department of Health and Human Services announced Aug. 13 a $102 million investment to expand the federally qualified health center program, extending primary care access to approximately one million additional Americans in underserved communities.
Federally qualified health centers provide primary care regardless of ability to pay, serving as the health care safety net for low-income and uninsured populations across the country.
HHS described the investment as historic in scale for the program, which is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration, according to the department. FQHCs operate in every state and serve as the only source of primary care for millions of Americans.
The expansion is notable for its bipartisan appeal. Community health centers have historically received support from both parties in Congress, and the program represents one of the broader areas of health policy continuity between administrations.
The $102 million investment arrives at a time when the administration is simultaneously rolling back other health programs, including ending federal Medicaid funding for certain procedures on minors. The health center expansion represents a countervailing investment in the health care safety net.
Community health centers served approximately 31 million patients in the most recent reporting year, according to HRSA data. The additional funding is expected to support new service delivery sites, expanded hours and additional clinical staff at existing centers.
Uninsured and underinsured Americans who lack a regular source of primary care are more likely to rely on emergency departments for routine medical needs, driving up costs for the broader health system.