What is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)?
A federally qualified health center (FQHC) is a type of provider defined by the Medicare and Medicaid statutes. FQHCs include all organizations receiving grants under Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act, certain tribal organizations, and FQHC Look-Alikes. In the questions and answers that follow, we will focus on the program requirements and benefits for FQHCs receiving Section 330 grants and for FQHC Look-Alikes. Requirements for Indian Health Service funded FQHCs may differ from the requirements for FQHCs receiving Section 330 grants and for FQHC Look-Alikes.
Question: I only have Original Medicare. Sometimes I can’t afford the 20 percent coinsurance when I see my doctor. I heard that Federally Qualified Health Centers offer discounted care. Is this true? Answer: Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are facilities located in areas defined as “medically underserved areas.” FQHCs provide primary Medicare Part B services, for which they waive the annual deductible, and some preventive services that Medicare does not cover. These clinics may also waive the 20 percent coinsurance for Medicare-covered benefits for people with an annual income at or below the federal poverty level. To find the FQHC nearest you, call 888-ASK-HRSA.
FQHC is a federal designation from the Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC)and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that is assigned to private non-profit or public health care organizations that serve predominantly uninsured or Medically Underserved Areas or Populations (MUA or MUP). All FQHCs must operate under a consumer Board of Directors and provide Comprehensive Primary Health Care, oral and mental healthcare and substance abuse services to persons in all stages of the life cycle. FQHCs provide their services to all persons regardless of ability to pay, and charge for services on a Board approved sliding-fee scale that is based on patients’ family income and size. FQHCs must comply with Section 330 Program Expectations/Requirements and all applicable federal and state regulations. FQHCs are also called Community Health Centers, and 330 Funded Clinics. Some Community Health Centers are Migrant Health Centers, Homeless Health Centers, School Based Health Centers or P
