Federally-qualified health centers
Program basics
- Public and private nonprofit health care organizations that receive federal funding
- Deliver comprehensive care to uninsured, underinsured, and vulnerable patients regardless of ability to pay
- Perform as well or better on measures of quality and access to care than medical facilities that do not care for under-resourced patients
Strength of evidence
Evidence level: Proven (highest tier)
?
Proven (highest tier)
Ranked as having the highest level of evidence by County Health Rankings and Roadmaps
Target population
Low- and moderate-income adults and families
Program cost
Not available
Implementation locations
Dates active
1960s-present
Outcomes and impact
- Increased access to primary care and improved outcomes for patients
- Increased continuity of care
- Increased access to oral health care
Keys to successful implementation
- Note: This content is under review
- Provide center staff with training and informational materials on health plans, as well as Medicaid and Medicare requirements.
- Identify sustainable funding sources for integrated medical support, including both preventative screenings and treatment and mental health and substance abuse.
- Collaboration with state health agencies and private practices can enable higher-quality, continued care to patients, enhance service quality, and address staffing needs.
- Partnerships with hospitals, managed care organizations, local public health departments, and non-profit organizations can help FQHCs to develop deeper relationships with community members and more effectively serve local populations.