Now, our medical mission can expand to provide even more affordable and accessible health care to underserved populations at our three California-based community health centers.
Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alikes are community-based health care providers that meet the requirements of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Health Center Program. Though it does not mean we will receive federal Health Center Program funding, Health Center Look-Alike designees have the following privileges:
- eligible to apply to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for reimbursement under FQHC Medicare and Medicaid payment methodologies
- eligible to purchase discounted drugs through the 340B Federal Drug Pricing Program
- will receive automatic Health Professional Shortage Area designation
- gain access to National Health Service Corps providers
Dr. William Keh, the Chief Executive Officer of TCMF states that, “after numerous rigorous and extensive reviews by HRSA in this year, TCMF is thrilled to earn this initial FQHC designation. This milestone is a recognition of our hard work in providing compassionate care for local underserved communities and vulnerable populations.”
Dr. Keh added that the privilege “will allow us to carry out our mission further – to provide affordable and charitable patient-centered health care for the wellness of the underserved. I want to thank everyone’s support, including TCMF’s Board of Directors, in making this dream a reality!”
Since 1993, TCMF has operated three licensed community health centers located in California in Alhambra, South El Monte, and Wilmington. They provide affordable primary care services for patients using a sliding fee scale, based on the patient’s ability to pay.
The majority of TCMF current operating funds come from private insurance, patient fees, institutional grants, and donations provided by Tzu Chi USA (also known as the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation). Section 1905(l)(2)(B) of the Social Security Act defines the Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alikes Program. For more information on Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alikes, please read about the Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike Program.
Media Contact: Anik Ghose, [email protected]
