Benefits of FQHC

Health centers are critical resources for the communities they serve, providing a health home for underserved populations, reducing the burden on emergency rooms, providing needed services for uninsured patients and improving overall public health.

Benefits for which FQHCs are eligible include:

• • Eligibility to receive or compete for Section 330 grant funds to offset the costs of uncompensated care and other key enabling services (Health Center Program grantees receive these grant funds. Look-alikes are eligible to compete for them).
  • Access to medical malpractice coverage under Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).
  • Prospective Payment System (PPS) reimbursement for services to Medicaid patients and reimbursement for Medicare services on a cost basis.
  • PHS Drug Pricing Discounts for pharmaceutical products under the 340B Program
  • Federal loan guarantees for capital improvements.
  • Access to on-site eligibility workers to provide Medicaid and Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollment services.
  • Reimbursement by Medicare for “first dollar” of services because deductible is waived if FQHC is providing services.
  • Access to Vaccines for Children Program for uninsured children.
  • Access to National Health Service Corps (NHSC) medical, dental, and mental health providers
  • National network of similar organizations committed to improving the health of the Nation’s underserved communities and vulnerable populations by assuring access to comprehensive, culturally competent, quality primary health care services.