MPCA News

Congress Approves $161 Million Increase for Community Health Centers

Washington, DC – Community Health Centers emerged winners after Congress completed its work and passed the FY 2003 budget. Lawmakers effectively expanded access to care to more than 14 million people by passing a significant increase in health center funding in the Omnibus Appropriations Act. The federal Community Health Centers program received $1.505 billion, $161 million more than last year and $47 million above the President’s request. The measure, which originally recommended a $171 million increase, was subject to an across the board cut which reduced the program funding by $10 million.

In addition to the President’s request for 170 new and expanded sites, the increased health center funding will be used to stabilize existing health centers financial condition, which has been deteriorating in the light of State and local funding reductions. The measure specifically requests that the Department of Health and Human Services study the financial condition of health centers and report back to Congress by the end of the fiscal year. The increased funding will also shore up the Federal Tort Claims Act fund for health centers with a $40 million infusion of funds.

The Consolidated Health Centers program is currently funded at $1.505 billion and provides primary and preventive care to nearly 14 million people, of whom nearly 5 million are uninsured. President Bush, who has pledged to double the size of the health center program, recommended a $169 million increase for FY2004.

Congress also boosted funding for the National Health Service Corps, which helps health centers recruit and retain health professionals, by $27 million. In addition, the Omnibus Appropriations measure maintained $120 million in funding for the Community Access Program. CAP assists health centers’ to coordinate with other providers to ensure access to the entire health care system for all individuals, regardless of insurance status.

Montana Primary Care Association 1805 Euclid Avenue Helena, MT 59601 Phone: (406) 442-2750 Fax: (406) 449-2460