HHS Earmarks $335M for Community Health Center Access

The Department of Health and Human Services said it will make available up to $335 million in Expanded Services grants for community health centers to boost access to preventive and primary healthcare.

The Affordable Care Act grant program is the second of two major initiatives announced this month totaling more than $1 billion for community health centers. On Oct. 11, HHS said it would provide $727 million to 143 community health centers across the country for construction, expansion, and renovation projects.

The funds are specifically intended to increase access to preventive and primary health care, including dental health and behavioral health. Patients are increasingly turning to primary care providers for mental health services, even as the ranks of primary care physicians are stretched thin.

Community health centers serve nearly 19 million patients each year—about 40% of whom have no health insurance. Health centers deliver preventive and primary care services at more than 7,900 service delivery sites around the country to patients regardless of their ability to pay. Charges for services are set according to income, HHS said. 

The Affordable Care Act provides $11 billion in funding over the next five years for the operation, expansion, and construction of health centers throughout the nation. Of the $11 billion, $9.5 billion will create new health centers in medically underserved areas and expanding preventive and primary healthcare services at existing health centers. An additional $1.5 billion will support major construction and renovation projects at health centers nationwide.

The expansions of sites and services are expected to help community health centers serve nearly double the number of patients they serve now, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.

Last month HHS announced grants totaling $320 million to fortify the primary care workforce. Of that sum, $167.3 million is for expanding primary care residency programs.

Health centers requesting grants must show how they will be used to expand medical capacity and services to underserved populations. Grant applications are due Jan. 6.