Access to quality healthcare hasn’t always been available for every community, particularly for those in rural areas and underserved urban neighborhoods. FQHCs were created to bridge this gap, ensuring that everyone—regardless of income, insurance status, or location—has access to essential healthcare services. These centers have transformed the American healthcare system by providing affordable, high-quality care to millions of people across the country.
The History of Federally Qualified Health Centers
The health center program was created to address healthcare disparities and ensure that underserved populations have access to essential medical services. The roots of health centers date back to the 1960s when the first centers were established in connection with President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. These early centers focused on providing primary care to low-income and rural communities, laying the foundation for today’s Federally Qualified Health Centers.
Over the decades, health centers have expanded significantly, with thousands of locations now operating across the country. They must meet strict requirements to maintain their FQHC status, including providing comprehensive healthcare services, operating on a sliding fee scale, and serving medically underserved areas. They must also have a governing board with a majority of members who are actual patients, so the community’s needs are continually prioritized.
Why Are Health Centers So Important Today?
Health centers continue to be an integral part of the healthcare system, particularly as millions of Americans struggle to find affordable, reliable healthcare. These centers help:
- Reduce Health Disparities. By serving low-income and medically underserved populations, health centers improve overall health outcomes and reduce hospital visits.
- Lower Healthcare Costs. Preventive care at health centers helps reduce expensive emergency room visits and hospital stays.
- Expand Access to Care. Many health centers operate in rural communities where there are few, if any, healthcare providers.
By continuing to adapt and expand, health centers ensure that quality healthcare remains within reach for millions of people who might otherwise go without.
How Are FQHCs Funded?
As part of the federal healthcare system, health centers receive funding from various sources, including the Health Center Program. This funding helps ensure that health centers can operate in underserved areas while keeping costs low for patients. Additionally, they receive reimbursement for services provided to Medicaid and Medicare patients, helping sustain their operations.
Can You Visit a Health Center?
One of the most significant advantages of health centers is that they are open to everyone—regardless of financial status or insurance coverage. They primarily serve:
- Medicaid Recipients. Your local health center accepts Medicaid, so you have access to comprehensive care if you are covered under this program.
- Uninsured Individuals. Health centers use a sliding fee scale, meaning those without insurance can still receive care at a reduced cost based on their income.
- Low-Income Families. Many health center patients live below the federal poverty level and rely on these health centers for affordable medical care.
- Underserved Communities. People living in rural or urban areas with few healthcare options turn to health centers for accessible, high-quality services.
What Services Can You Expect at a Health Center?
Every Federally Qualified Health Center provides a variety of services so that community members can receive high-quality, affordable care under one roof. These core services include:
- Primary Care
- Pediatric Care
- Prenatal and Perinatal Care
- Dental Services
Many health centers also offer additional services depending on community needs and available resources. Some also provide behavioral health care, substance use treatment, or pharmaceutical services. While all health centers provide basic medical services, these additional offerings vary by location, so it’s best to check with your local health center for specific services.
Find the Care You Need
If you need affordable, high-quality healthcare from a provider that accepts Medicaid, visiting a health center is an excellent option. For Oklahoma residents, the Oklahoma Primary Care Association (OKPCA) helps connect individuals and families to health centers across the state. We support health centers by advocating for policies that improve healthcare access, so every community can have reliable, patient-centered medical services.
Use the map on our website to find a health center near you, or contact us to learn more about their services.