adminAs a result of the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), community health care centers are seeing an influx of new patients. Nationwide, 9,000 community health care centers already serve approximately 22 million patients. In Pennsylvania, they provide care for nearly 700,000 patients through more than 2.3 million visits.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is currently accepting applications for Community-Based Health Care Program grants. The application deadline is April 9. Eligible applicants may apply for funding to:
- Develop a new community-based health care clinic
- Expand primary health services at an existing community-based health care clinic
- Add or expand prenatal, obstetric, postpartum, or newborn care services
- Develop alternative health care delivery systems administered by a community-based health care clinic which improve services and access to reduce hospital emergency room utilization
- Implement collaborative relationships to enhance transitions of care for patients to ensure timely follow up for health care clinic patients seen or admitted to the hospital and to develop referral mechanisms to establish a health clinic medical home for patients seen in the hospital or specialty clinics
Access to care is a top priority for the Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) and physicians across the state. Many elements of the Gov. Corbett’s Healthy PA plan also focus on improving access to care. PAMED continues to be involved in discussions on the governor’s plan and how it will improve the health of Pennsylvanians and their access to quality, affordable health care.