Overview
This report examines how community health centers and other safety-net clinics finance programs that address patients’ non-medical needs. It is intended to help clinic leaders identify potential funding strategies while also illustrating the challenges of sustaining these programs over time.
What the Resource Covers
The report draws on interviews with more than 30 experts and leaders from four safety-net clinics, along with a review of existing literature on health center financing. It describes how clinics combine multiple funding sources, including patient revenue, Medicaid-related payments, government and private grants, value-based payment opportunities, and other revenue-generating approaches. It also highlights the limitations of these strategies, including time-limited grants, restricted funding, administrative burden, and funding levels that often fall short of patient need.
Key Takeaways for Implementation
Safety-net clinics often rely on a mix of funding sources rather than a single sustainable financing mechanism. The report highlights Medicaid-related programs and value-based payment approaches as particularly important opportunities while emphasizing the need for greater long-term funding stability.
Who May Find This Resource Useful
This resource may be especially useful for community health center and safety-net clinic leaders seeking practical ideas for financing new or existing programs that address patients’ non-medical needs.
Resource Type: Issue Briefs & Reports.
Topic Areas: Safety-net clinics, community health centers, Medicaid, financing, sustainability.
Population or Setting: Community health centers and other safety-net health care organizations.
Publication Date: 2019.
Source: Social Interventions Research & Evaluation Network (SIREN).
