When federal support for community health centers expired last October, funding was only expected to last until the end of March.
Congress' most recent spending bill last week allowed for a two-year extension, granting $3.8 billion for the 2018 fiscal year and $4 billion in 2019 to the Community Health Center Fund. Where does this money go and how is it being spent?
Also known as FQHCs, federally qualified health centers typically provide a variety of medical, dental, vision, and behavioral health care services, as well as access to pharmacies.
Texas has the highest rate of uninsured residents in the country. About 1.3 million low income Texans rely on community health centers as a resource, 42 percent of which are uninsured, according to the Texas Association of Community Health Centers.
How are staff and services affected in the long-term by delays in funding? How can medically underserved areas – rural health, maternal care and the opioid epidemic – be improved with community health centers?
Guests:
- José E. Camacho, executive director and general counsel for the Texas Association of Community Health Centers
- Dr. Carlos E. Moreno, vice president & chief of clinical affairs for CommuniCare Health Centers
- Marissa Evans, health and human services reporter for the Texas Tribune
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