$100M in O-Care funds go to local health centers

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is doling out $100 million under ObamaCare to help expand new health centers around the country.

The grant money will be available to 150 new centers next year and is meant to increase access to healthcare for underserved communities and vulnerable populations.

{mosads}“In communities across the country, Americans turn to their local Community Health Center for vital health care services that help them lead healthy, productive lives,” HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell said in a statement. “That’s why it’s so important that the Affordable Care Act is supporting the expansion of health centers.”

Public and nonprofit private health centers, including Native American, faith-based, and community-based organizations are eligible to request funding up to $650,000 from the New Access Point (NAP) grant.

According to HHS, 550 new health centers have sprouted around the country since the Affordable Care Act went into effect three years ago.

Besides providing medical care, they also play a role in teaching the public about health insurance coverage available through ObamaCare.

“Since last fall, health centers have provided enrollment assistance to more than 4.7 million people across the country,” said Mary Wakefield, administrator of the Health resources and Service Administration. “We are pleased that the Affordable Care Act is supporting the establishment of additional health center sites to provide expanded opportunities for the newly insured to receive care.”
 
The Obama administration announced the new funding a month after it separately offered $300 million to community health centers to increase service hours, hire more healthcare providers, and add oral health, behavioral health, pharmacy, and vision services.