Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are local, non-profit or city-run primary care providers serving low-income families. FQHCs provide a health care home for thousands of Philadelphians, who would otherwise have no access to care because of poverty, lack of health insurance, language/cultural barriers, and complex medical needs. See a list of HFP member health centers here.
Facts about health centers in Southeastern PA
- Fifteen FQHCs operate 50 sites in Philadelphia and 10 sites in nearby suburban areas. (This includes FQHC look-alikes, which share many of the characteristics of FQHCs)
- Over 375,000 patients made visits to Philadelphia area health centers for medical, dental, and behavioral health care in 2019.
- 97% of patients served by FQHCs have incomes under 200% of the Federal Poverty Level ($40,000/year for a family of four).
- 35% of health center patients are uninsured and approximately 48% are on Medicaid (Medical Assistance).
Health Centers are a unique part of our health care system
- Federally Qualified Health Centers provide jobs and economic activity in Philadelphia’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods and suburban areas.
- Most FQHCs offer a full range of primary care services for adults and children, including prenatal care. Additional services may include dental care, mental health services, substance abuse counseling, and prescription drugs.
- FQHCs accept Medicaid and Medicare as well as private insurance. Uninsured patients receive care on a sliding scale, depending on family size and income. No one is turned away for lack of ability to pay.
- Health Center staff speaks many of the languages represented in our patient population.
- FQHCs are governed by Boards consisting of at least 51% patients, ensuring that Centers are responsive to community needs.
- FQHC doctors and nurses are highly qualified and have been found to provide equal or better quality of care when compared to private physicians.