Policy & Advocacy

Medicaid is the best tool we have in helping people live healthier lives. A large body of research shows that Medicaid improves health outcomes and prevents premature deaths, while also boosting the economy and job creation.

Care at community health centers is a remarkably effective and efficient use of Medicaid dollars. The Congressional Budget Office found that care provided at CHCs lowers federal spending for the Medicaid and Medicare populations they serve and lowers spending in emergency departments, inpatient hospital settings, and other outpatient services.

Learn more about how ACH aims to protect Medicaid for health center patients.

Community Health Centers (CHCs) deliver high-quality care to everyone—regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. This vital work would not be possible without the support of the 340B program.

By enabling CHCs to stretch limited federal resources, the 340B program helps fund essential services that would otherwise be out of reach. Every dollar saved is reinvested directly into patient care and community health.

In today’s challenging economic climate, CHCs rely on the 340B program more than ever to fulfill their mission and expand access to care.

Learn how ACH is working to strengthen and protect the 340B Program.

Community health centers cannot continue to do more with less. ACH is driving a bold vision for health center funding through its CHC Invest Campaign.

Learn more about CHC Invest and CHC Invest: 30 by 30.

Value-Based Care (VBC) is designed to reduce costs while improving patient outcomes. Yet, despite their proven expertise and capacity, community health centers have often been left on the sidelines of these models.

ACH is working to change that. We advocate for policies that ensure health centers—and the patients they serve—are fully included in VBC arrangements. By doing so, we can lower health care costs, improve outcomes, and move closer to achieving true health equity.

Discover how ACH is leading a more equitable, holistic approach to care through VBC.

ACH envisions a future where community health centers (CHCs) have workforces as diverse as the patients and communities they serve. We see CHCs at the center of a robust pipeline of skilled professionals, supported by the infrastructure needed to deliver exceptional care.

For this workforce to thrive, access to professional development, mental health resources, sustainable workloads, and clear pathways for career growth are essential. ACH believes health centers should foster a culture of continuous learning and advancement at every level.

Learn how ACH is aiming to build a skilled and diverse FQHC workforce.

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are a lifeline for vulnerable communities during crises—whether hurricanes, wildfires, mass casualty events, or other public health emergencies. By both mandate and mission, health centers stand ready on the front lines, providing care to all who need it, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

ACH is committed to advancing policy solutions informed by the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes will strengthen emergency preparedness and ensure that health centers can continue delivering care when communities need it most.

See how ACH is shaping policies to prepare health centers for the next emergency.

Community Health Centers (CHCs) innovate out of necessity. Serving underserved populations means navigating complex patient needs with limited resources—often requiring new systems and creative approaches to deliver high-quality care.

As incubators of innovative care delivery, CHCs are uniquely positioned to shape the future of our health system. With the right investments, they can pilot new solutions that improve outcomes, strengthen communities, and move the nation closer to true health equity.

From population health to emergency response to specialty care, CHCs are ready to build on proven strategies and scale innovative solutions nationwide.

Explore how ACH pursues policy solutions that empower health centers innovate for better health outcomes.