More than 22 million Americans get their health care at local community health centers, sponsored by the federal government, in partnership with various groups. More than 1,200 organizations operate 9,000 sites where people get care
These “health centers care for you, even if you have no health insurance,” according to the Health Resources and Services Administration, which runs the clinic system. “You pay what you can afford, based on your income. Health centers provide
- checkups when you’re well
- treatment when you’re sick
- complete care when you’re pregnant
- immunizations and checkups for your children
- dental care and prescription drugs for your family
- mental health and substance abuse care if you need it”
Health centers are in most cities and many rural areas.
More than 90% of the customers are low income, 36% are uninsured, and 39% are enrolled in Medicaid, the federal-state programs for the poor. The majority 73%, are members of racial or ethnic minority groups.
The Kaiser Family Foundation predicts that the July 2013
sebelius
“Our national network of health centers serves more than 21 million patients every year, many of whom are uninsured. They’re trusted resources, not only of good care but of information,” Sebelius said. “In some of the neighborhoods that stand to benefit most from the expansion of health coverage, they have the ear of so many Americans we’re trying to educate about the marketplace this summer and fall.”
Community health centers served 18.8 million patients in 2009 and are expected to see 50 million people a year by 2019 as more individuals gain health coverage through Obamacare, the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation estimates.
“Health centers are uniquely positioned to contribute to our educational and outreach efforts,” Sebelius said Wednesday.
Community health centers already provide help for patients who may be eligible for government assistance. The federal funding announced Wednesday will enable them to broaden those efforts, Mary Wakefield, administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, said during the conference call. The federal government also is funding programs to train “navigators” and “in-person assisters” to guide people through the process of choosing health coverage.
