This program exists to assist communities in the development of health center programs which are individually tailored to their needs. Information on funding and program requirements, and individual technical support is available here.

What is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)?

FQHC is a federal designation from the Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that is assigned to private non-profit or public health care organizations that serve predominantly uninsured or medically underserved populations. FQHCs are located in or serving a Federally designated Medically Underserved Area/Population (MUA or MUP). All FQHCs must operate under a consumer Board of Directors governance structure, and provide comprehensive primary health, oral, and mental health/substance abuse services to persons in all stages of the life cycle. FQHCs provide their services to all persons regardless of ability to pay, and charge for services on a Board approved sliding-fee scale that is based on patients’ family income and size. FQHCs must comply with Section 330 program expectations/requirements and all applicable federal and state regulations.

FQHCs are also called Community/Migrant Health Centers (C/MHC), Community Health Centers (CHC), and 330 Funded Clinics.