“(C)ommunity health centers stand to lose about 70% of their federal funding in October (2015). While discretionary funding would cover some of the centers’ costs, the report projected that a shortfall in funding could lead to:
- 7.4 million patients losing access to care; and
- 57,000 health care workers losing their jobs.
The centers in 2013 served about 23 million Medicaid beneficiaries and other low-income individuals. They are expected to serve about 28 million by the end of 2015.
…services provided by (community health) centers save the health care industry about $24 billion annually (Leonard, U.S. News & World Report, 3/17)…
community health centers produce savings through shorter hospital stays and fewer emergency department (ED) visits.
For example, Medicaid managed care beneficiaries who receive care from community health centers in California have:
- 64% lower rates of multi-day hospital stays than other patients;
- 25% fewer inpatient bed days than other patients; and
- 18% lower rates of ED visits (NACHC report, March 2015).” – http://www.californiahealthline.org/articles/2015/3/18/patients-could-lose-care-access–if-health-center-funding-expires
Emmett Pickett Wellness Ownership 