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.
Medicaid is the largest revenue source for community health centers, community governed, non-profit primary and preventive care centers that funnel all revenue back into patient care and the community.
If financial challenges force health centers to close, patients will have no choice but to go to the emergency room and other more costly forms of care.
Individuals residing in small towns and rural regions are more inclined to depend on Medicaid/CHIP for their health coverage compared to those in urban areas.
Lacking access to Medicaid can lead to individuals becoming uninsured. Those without insurance are less likely to seek medical care, which can jeopardize their capacity to work or attend school, increasing their risk of incurring debt.
ACH urges a targeted approach to changes in Medicaid policy, as broad changes have the potential to destabilize state Medicaid programs and community health centers, harm local economies, and exacerbate rural health care access challenges.
National Medicaid Sign-On Letter
We’ve spearheaded a national sign-on letter urging Congressional leaders to protect and stabilize the Medicaid program for health centers, their patients, and their communities.
Share Your Medicaid Story!
We’re partnering with other organizations on integrated PR campaigns and need your stories. Policymakers need to know how proposed cuts will affect your community health center and patients.
Primary Care Collaborative Sign-On Letter
We joined members of the Primary Care Collaborative to send a letter to Congress to reject proposals that would destabilize primary care and Medicaid funding.