Michigan Primary Care Association is working toward 100% access to health care in Michigan and no health disparities. The Community Development Program serves as a catalyst for achieving this goal. Currently, MPCA serves 32 CHCs across the state, including 29 funded Federally Qualified Health Centers.
Did you Know?
- A Community Health Center is a general term used for primary and preventative care providers to underserved communities as well as a specific term referring to five programs funded under Section 330 of Public Health Service Act to provide comprehensive primary care services to Medically Underserved Populations.
- Medicare and Medicaid statutes define the provider type “Federally Qualified Health Center” (FQHC) (Social Security Act §1861(aa)(4) and §1905(l)(2)(B) respectively). HRSA administers two types of FQHCs. One is an entity that receives a grant under section 330 of the Public Health Service Act and another is an entity that is determined by DHHS to meet requirements to receive funding without actually receiving a grant (Look-Alike).
Through the Community Development Program, MYOPIC assists communities in determining the best approach to provide access to care. MPCA is committed to strengthening existing, and developing new, Community Health Centers (CHCs). For more information about MPCA's Community Development program, contact Andrea Charlton, MPH, MSW at 517.827.0475.
Work With Communities in Early Stages of Community Change
- Assess community assets and needs
- Facilitate strategic planning with communities
- Assist in the development of local leadership around health access
- Create inventories of local skills and resources
Create New Access Points
- Work with communities to develop primary care sites including FQHCs
- Work with communities to expand availability of services, particularly in the area of dental and behavioral health where currently there are widespread problems with access
- Provide technical assistance to access other necessary resources
Strengthen the Safety Net
- Develop initiatives to sustain and strengthen safety net providers and encourage joint planning and information-sharing
- Work with communities to create integrated delivery systems through coordination and collaboration
Resources
MPCA has identified several documents and sources to assist in the process of starting an FQHC or 'Look-Alike'. The review of these documents will give you a good understanding of how to become a funded grantee.
1. So you want to Start a Health Center - this document is a comprehensive guide explaining the details of the FQHC model.
Chapters include:
- Health Center Basics
- Ensuring Broad Community Support and Investment
- Needs Assessment and Planning
- Developing Community Governance
- Looking for a Home (Organizationally and Physically)
- Human Resources
- Business Planning
- Before You Open Your Doors: Insurance
- Information Technology/Data Systems
- Conclusions and Final Recommendations
2. New Access Point Grant Application Requirements from 2010- if applying to become a new Community Health Center, you would most likely apply for funding through a grant application period as this one illustrates. MPCA helps organizations through this process and provides expertise on how to submit a solid application.
3. Federally Qualified Health Center 'Look-Alike' Designations- Public and private non-profit health care organizations may apply for FQHC 'Look-Alike' designation (designation without section 330 funding) at any time. The review process takes about four months. FQHC 'Look-Alikes' must meet the same program requirements as FQHCs that receive Section 330 funding and are eligible for many of the same benefits.
Benefits
Requirements
- 'Look-Alikes' need at least 6 months of cost reports; audit preferable.
- They need to be operational and meeting L-A requirements at time of service.
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They can be one provider, but be able to address the need from the defined service areas.
Information on FQHC 'Look-Alikes' guidelines and other policy
- Policy Information Notice 2009-06: Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike Guidelines and Application
- Amendment to PIN 2009-06: Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike Guidelines and Application, Additional Submission Requirements for Change in Scope Applications
- PIN 2009-06 Requirements: A PowerPoint presentation created by HRSA to become familiar with new FQHC- Look Alike application requirements.
4.Commonly Used Acronyms in the Healthcare Industry- There are many acronyms used in the health care industry. This useful table will help you as you run into abbreviated organizations and names.
5. Policy Information Notice 98-12: Implementations of the Section 330 Governance Requirements- This requires that all organizations which receive Health Center funding under section 330 have a governing body which assumes full authority and oversight responsibility for the health center.
6. Governing Board Handbook- A useful handbook to have on hand when creating your governing board.
7. Prospective Health Center Checklist- Presents questions that need to be answered for a site to go forward with an application for funding.
8. New Start Checklist- Document is intended for an FQHC that is newly funded. It helps outline some of the next steps after funding and can help give you an idea of what to keep in mind for the future.
9. Health Center Benefits- HRSA created a website to explain the benefits to the community if a health center were to start as well as explain the benefits to the health care facility thinking of becoming a health center.
MPCA Created Resources
Additional Helpful Documents and Resources
For more information on the following: click here.
- Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Bureau of Primary Care (BPHC)
- National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC)