Public Policy Federal Legislation
National Health Reform
Community health centers are poised to be central to the implementation of national health reform. Our commitment and experience in providing primary care positions our centers to be important partners in national health reform, as it unfolds here in Rhode Island.
Below are links to information and news regarding health reform.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
The economic stimulus package, has passed both the House and Senate and was signed into law Tuesday, February 17, 2009. The law provides funding for Community Health Centers to increase capacity, create jobs, improve infrastructure, and adopt electronic health records.
- $1.5 billion in funding for community health center infrastructure needs, including
information technology, for 330-funded Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs),
distributed through HRSA.
- $500 million for “services provided by community health centers.” Funding for “currently
unfunded but approved community health center applications” is likely, as well as
funding for new sites and services areas, funding to increase services at existing
sites, and to provide additional payments for increases in uninsured patients.
- Investment in information technology may now be paid through new Medicaid incentives.
Payments would be up to 85% of $75,000 per eligible provider over 6 years.
- $500 Million over for primary care workforce investments. $300 million is for the
National Health Service Corps; $200 million is for Title VII Health Professions
and Title VIII Nurse Training programs.
- Medicaid funding increased by $87 billion over two years, by increasing the federal
portion of the Medicaid match (FMAP). Rhode Island is expected to get about $470
million from this adjustment.
President Obama and Secretary of Health Nominee Kathleen Sebelius announced on March
2 $155 million in funding for new community health center access points. In Rhode
Island, two community health centers have been awarded new access point grants:
Northwest and Tri-Town. These two sites will bring $2,391,700 to the state, provide
services to 7,380 patients and create 55 jobs.
On March 27, 2009, HHS released $338 million to expand community health centers
and serve more patients. Rhode Island will receive $1,999,160 to cover the increased
demand in services seen at its 8 federally-funded community health centers. This
funding will create 33 jobs, and provide services for 16,607 new patients, including
7,028 uninsured patients.
On May 11, 2009, RIHCA held a press conference to discuss the importance of Recovery Act funds to Rhode Island’s community health centers and the primary health infrastructure.
On June 29, 2009, First Lady Michelle Obama announced the release of funding for community health center infrastructure needs. She stated: “Upgrades and expanded efforts at Community Health Centers across the country will dramatically improve the immediate and long-term health of our people and our nation’s health care system.”
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA 2009) was enacted on February
4, 2009. This law reauthorizes the Children’s Health Insurance Program
(CHIP). Some key provisions allow for increased federal funding and the ability
to expand covered populations:
- Increased federal match, so less state money required for match.
- States can decide to include coverage for immigrant children who are legal permanent
residents but who have been here less than 5 years.
- States can expand coverage to include families with income up to 300% of the federal
poverty guidelines (FPG).
- Health centers would be eligible to apply for a demonstration grant program for
community-based activities related to reducing childhood obesity, strengthening
quality of care and health outcomes.
Health Information Technology
Rhode Island’s community health centers are on the forefront of health information technology. Seven of the health centers have adopted an electronic health record. Electronic medical records improve efficiency and clinical outcomes, aid in quality improvement and streamline resource management.
National Resources