National Health Center Facts
In 2009, health centers served as the health care home for more than 18 million people and are recognized
as an invaluable part of the nation’s health delivery system.
Access
- In 2009, over 7 million uninsured patients received care at community healh centers (38%).
- CHCs are located in areas where care is needed but scarce, and improve access to
care for millions of Americans regardless of their insurance status or ability to
pay.
Cost
- Expanding Capacity for Access: With $11 billion in new funding over five years, Community Health Centers will double their current capacity, reaching 40 million predominately low-income, at-risk patients by 2015. This means they will reach approximately one-third of those currently considered “medically disenfranchised” because they live in communities with too few primary care physicians. By 2015, health centers will serve 2 out of every 3 people living in poverty. Read More
- Health centers currently save $1,093 per person through efficient delivery of needed care. As they expand to reach new, unserved communities, health centers will save up to $122 billion in total health care costs between 2010 and 2015. This includes $55 billion for Medicaid over the five-year period. Of that, the federal government would save $32 billion, with states benefiting from the rest. Read More
Quality
- Studies have found that the quality of care provided at health centers is equal
to or greater than the quality of care provided elsewhere. Moreover, 99% of surveyed
patients report that they were satisfied with the care they receive at health centers.
In 2009, Community Health Centers also:
- Cared for 3.4 million who received dental services.
- Cared for 758,000 who received mental health services.
For more information about the health center program, click here for our health center fact sheets or visit the Health Resources and Services Administration to learn more about the health center program.