Sponsors (2)
Introduced August 8, 2025 by Don Davis · Last progress August 8, 2025
The resolution highlights and affirms the value and cost-effectiveness of community health centers—supporting access for low‑income and rural patients and potential Medicaid savings—but is nonbinding and does not secure funding or protections, leaving CHCs vulnerable to drug‑pricing risks and possible cost‑shifting.
Low-income and rural patients (including Medicaid beneficiaries) will retain recognition of community health centers (CHCs) as providers of affordable primary, preventive, and expanded services (oral, vision, behavioral health, pharmacy), preserving local access to integrated care regardless of ability to pay.
Medicaid programs and taxpayers may realize lower costs because CHC care is cited as substantially cheaper per patient (e.g., ~24% in NC), which could reduce public spending and support local economic activity and healthcare workforce stability.
The formal recognition of CHCs may bolster public and policymaker support for continued funding and policies that sustain CHC operations and employment in local communities.
Community health centers and their patients remain exposed because the resolution is nonbinding; without follow-up legislation or funding, recognition alone won’t secure additional resources or protections, leaving CHCs vulnerable to operational strain.
Low-income patients and people with chronic conditions served by CHCs could face higher drug costs if unresolved 340B program restrictions take effect, increasing out-of-pocket expenses and financial strain on CHCs.
Policymakers might use the cited CHC cost-savings to justify shifting costs or reducing spending elsewhere, potentially resulting in cuts to other health services or cost-shifting onto patients.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Formally recognizes and praises community health centers, highlights their services and economic impact, and celebrates National Health Center Week.
Recognizes and praises community health centers (CHCs) for providing affordable, comprehensive primary and preventive care in rural and underinvested communities since 1965, and celebrates National Health Center Week. The resolution highlights CHCs’ role serving vulnerable people, operating a large primary care network reaching nearly 10% of Americans across 14,000 communities, expanding services (oral, vision, behavioral health, pharmacy), reducing costly emergency care, and delivering estimated Medicaid cost savings. It also notes local economic impact and strains from restrictions on the 340B Drug Discount Program.