Briefly defined, federally funded nonprofit health centers (FQHCs) serve as a healthcare “safety net.” The Health Resources and Services Administration stipulates the requirements to qualify as an FQHC.
The centers provide medical care to underserved areas and populations with resources from Medicare and Medicaid. United States government initiatives, including those stipulated under Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act, also support the centers. Therefore, all FQHC organizations must operate under a governing board of directors and maintain an ongoing quality assurance program.
In addition to offering comprehensive healthcare services on a sliding fee scale, the centers might also offer transportation services to help provide essential care.
Although underserved communities have benefited from FQHCs, the FQHC system has proved particularly helpful to members of rural communities. Rural community members often must travel great distances to obtain medical assistance and care. In 2022, statistics show that more than 9.6 million rural residents benefited from FQHCs.
