Community Health Centers Step In To Provide Care For Newly Uninsured
Community Health Centers are providing a growing number of newly uninsured people with primary and preventive care. These centers are being tested by the growing patient load, MarketWatch reports. "They've been serving primarily low-income and uninsured patients for more than 40 years, but they're being put to the test as newly uninsured people discover they can go there for care regardless of their ability to pay. It's a mixed picture for many health centers because money from the federal stimulus package has enabled them to hire more staff and expand facilities. Even so, the funds may not be enough to meet the heightened demand for services." There has been a 21 percent jump in the number of patients served nationally at health centers between midyear 2008 and midyear 2009. The clinics provide care for those with low incomes for little or no pay and are subsidized by federal grants (Gerencher, 2/11).
This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.