Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) provide comprehensive
health care services to underserved communities. Many of the Texans they serve are indigent,
uninsured and underserved. Some FQHCs
offer additional services, such as dental, mental health or substance abuse
treatment. FQHCs are community organizations with defined target populations
and service areas. Services are provided
to Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, Insured and Uninsured individuals. Patients may be eligible for services based on
their family income and on a sliding fee schedule.
FQHCs receive
federal grant funds directly from Health Resources and Services Administration
(HRSA) to support the operation and services of the health center through the Health Center Program. Additionally, they receive cost-based (or
enhanced) payment for services to Medicaid and Medicare patients, Federal Tort
Claim coverage, 340b drug pricing, and can participate in the National Health
Service Corps (NHSC).
Other support for
FQHCs comes from additional state and federal grants, local support including
foundations and community funding, as well as patient self-payments or
insurance. Federal grants from HRSA
provide about 30% of health center revenue.
The Texas FQHC
Incubator Program
The Texas
FQHC Incubator Program funding ended in 2012. Even though the grant program is no longer
funded, TPCO continues to work with communities to develop sites in underserved
areas that are committed to improving access to comprehensive, quality,
community-based health care.
FQHCs in Texas
There are 74 FQHCs serving
patients in Texas, operating more than 300 sites. There are also 3
FQHC-Lookalikes; they offer FQHC-like services, but do not receive all of the
benefits of FQHC status. To find an FQHC near you go to the HRSA Find a Health Center page.
Resources for
FQHC Development:
Bureau of Primary Health
Care Program Requirements
Bureau of Primary Care Website
Additional
Support Resources-FQHC Membership Associations
Texas Association
of Community Health Centers (TACHC)
National
Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC)