Rep. Doris Matsui Announces Preferred Status for The Effort Health Care Clinics
Rep. Doris Matsui Announces Preferred Status for The Effort Health Care ClinicsPreserves Health Services for Low-Income Sacramento Residents
Today, Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-05) announced that The Effort has once again achieved Federally-Qualified Health Center Look-Alike Status. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) have approved The Effort's Midtown main clinic and two satellite clinics for the designation. These clinics will get preferred Medicare and Medicaid payment rates, benefit from National Health Service Corps personnel, and have better access to discounted prescription drugs.
"The work done at The Effort to provide low-cost services to the most in-need residents of our community is noble, and critical to the health and well-being of my constituents. I support their activities, and was pleased to help them navigate the process of receiving this designation," said Rep. Doris Matsui.
The Public Health Service Act authorizes Medicaid and Medicare to spend money providing low-cost health services through private, non-profit health clinics across the country such as The Effort. Community health centers that are awarded FQHC Look-Alike status thus benefit from better Medicaid and Medicare payment rates and structures. For example, as a result of this designation, Medicaid will start paying The Effort clinics without requiring patients to cover a deductible first. "I want to express appreciation for all the hospitals and foundations in the Sacramento region that have provided financial and professional support for this effort. The California Primary Care Association along with the Metro Chamber of Commerce and their Cap-to-Cap program was very effective in their support. And I especially want to thank Congresswoman Matsui for her guidance through the approval process. The leadership provided by Congresswoman Matsui has been essential to achieving this community success," said Robert Caulk, Chief Executive Officer, The Effort."Those without access to health care need somewhere to turn to, and The Effort fills this important role in Sacramento. In today's uncertain economy, it is even more imperative that the services and health care that people rely upon continue to be readily available. Making investments now in these critical services will ensure a healthier Sacramento for the future," said Rep. Matsui.