Community Health Centers (CHCs) provide vital care to 16 million patients insured through Medicaid. About one in five people are covered by Medicaid nationwide. These CHCs often serve as the only source of primary medical, dental, behavioral health care in rural towns, small cities, and high-need communities. Yet the program that supports their work faces serious threats of reduced Medicaid funding and coverage, putting the healthcare of millions of Americans at risk.
The bill passed by the House (H.R. 1) would impose stricter eligibility rules, pushing millions off Medicaid. The latest estimate from the CBO reports that 10.9 million patients insured through Medicaid would lose coverage. The Senate is now considering the bill, with a goal of passing it by July 4th.
Medicaid supports people at every stage of life
Understanding who depends on Medicaid reveals why these cuts matter so deeply. Medicaid supports people across every stage of life, often when no other options exist. (Figure 1) For example, among CHC patients, 43% of patients with cancer and 50% of those with cardiovascular disease depend on Medicaid for treatment.
These numbers are more than data points. They represent children getting well care, seniors needing support, patients fighting serious illnesses, families coping with mental illness, and homeless individuals who count on Medicaid as their main coverage. Medicaid is the critical link connecting these people to the care they need.
Reductions in Medicaid funding mean an increase in uninsured patients for CHCs
CHCs deliver that care every day, serving as the medical home for millions who rely on Medicaid. When Medicaid funding shrinks or access is limited, these CHCs face the consequences first. CHCs are in areas where few other providers accept Medicaid or uninsured patients. So, they must manage with tighter budgets while facing increased demand from patients who lose coverage elsewhere. This often results in fewer appointments, reduced hours or services, and longer wait times.
For patients already facing serious health challenges, these barriers to timely care can cause delays in treatment, worsening conditions, and ultimately more expensive emergency, specialty, or hospital care. The strain on CHCs affects entire communities, threatening the health and stability of the low-income populations they serve. In the worst cases, CHCs may be forced to close sites, leading to higher mortality rates in those communities.
Medicaid is not just a line item in a budget. It is a proven force that prevents health crises, strengthens families, and supports local economies. It reduces uncompensated care costs, keeps providers accessible, and helps communities stay healthier and resilient.
Now is the time to protect Medicaid and the CHC patients who rely on it.