What are Community Health Centers

Community health centers are community based, patient directed organizations that provide high quality primary care to individuals and families who face barriers to accessing healthcare. They serve populations including people experiencing homelessness, agricultural workers, residents of public housing, veterans, and other underserved groups.

Health centers provide integrated services such as primary care, behavioral health, dental, pharmacy, and substance use treatment in communities where access to care is limited by cost, location, or other barriers. Through coordinated care and quality improvement practices, health centers work to improve outcomes and reduce health disparities.

Community Health Center Fundamentals

Community health centers:

• Provide comprehensive primary care and supportive services such as health education, translation, and transportation

• Serve patients regardless of ability to pay and use a sliding fee scale

• Deliver patient centered, integrated care tailored to community needs

• Operate as nonprofit or public organizations governed by a patient majority board

How the Health Center Program Works

Health centers may receive federal funding through the Health Center Program to support care for underserved populations. Some organizations meet program requirements but do not receive funding and are classified as Health Center Program look alikes.

In addition to federal funding, centers rely on Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, and patient fees. All health centers and look alikes have access to key federal programs including:

• Special reimbursement through Medicare and Medicaid

• 340B prescription drug savings

• Free vaccines for eligible children

• Workforce support through National Health Service Corps

Health centers that receive grant funding may also receive federal malpractice coverage and funding support for facility improvements.