HHS gives $4.4 million to Maryland health centers

HHS is providing almost $500 million in Affordable Care Act (ACA) funding to support health centers across the country in expanding their primary care services.

A total of $6 million was awarded for services to include medical, oral, behavioral, pharmacy and vision care.

The funding comes from the Health Center Expanded Services fund.

The funds were awarded to help 19 health centers increase access to primary care services to those who need them most. The remaining $1 million is designated for the Manchester Community Health Center specifically for facility expansion to increase service capacity. Patients pay fees that vary according to income. The next open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace begins on November 1, 2015, and eligible people can enroll in Medicaid year round.

According to the release, the funds may also be used to aid in outreach or enrollment activities that help individuals find health insurance that fits their medical needs and budget. “I’m committed to continuing to move our health care system forward with more coverage, more affordability, and higher quality care, and these grants represent an important step in the right direction for many Washington state families”. Today, over 1,300 health center grantees operate approximately 9,000 clinic sites in every state and USA territory.

View a list of the 160 Health Infrastructure Investment Program awardees: http://bphc.hrsa.gov/programopportunities/fundingopportunities/hiip/2015awards/index.html.