Federally Qualified Health Centers

A Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) is a community-based health care organization that provides comprehensive primary care and support services to underserved populations in the United States. These centers serve patients regardless of immigration status, insurance coverage, or ability to pay. FQHCs are a key component of the nation's primary care safety net and aim to reduce barriers to health care access for low/moderate-income and minority populations. The majority of FQHCs are local health centers operated by non-profits, but public agencies, such as municipal governments, also operate clinics, accounting for 7% of all FQHCS. Consumer governance is a defining feature of FQHCs, mandating that at least 51% of governing board members must be patients of the center.