Editor’s note: The following is a press release from Centerstone Health Services. Bloom has republished it here with minor edits for clarity and style.
Centerstone Health Services, a nonprofit community-based clinic providing integrated primary care and behavioral health services, has been designated a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Look-Alike by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
To receive an FQHC Look-Alike designation, organizations like Centerstone must operate and provide services consistent with HRSA’s Health Center Program requirements. Some of these requirements include operating in a medically underserved area, having accessible locations and generous operating hours, providing a sliding fee discount, and meeting stringent quality standards.
FQHC Look-Alikes do not receive federal funding, but they are eligible to apply to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for reimbursement under FQHC Medicare and Medicaid payment methodologies. FQHC Look-Alikes are also eligible to purchase discounted prescription drugs through the 340B Federal Drug Pricing Program, receive automatic Health Professional Shortage Area designation, and may access National Health Service Corps providers.
Centerstone was founded in 2019 to serve the growing need for affordable health care services. It currently operates clinics in Bloomington and Connersville, Indiana, and offers comprehensive primary medical care and behavioral health services, as well as case management. The clinic serves those with private insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare, and offers a sliding-fee scale starting at $10 for those without any insurance coverage that meet certain income requirements.
“The need in our communities is tremendous,” says Executive Director Bob Siegmann. “The U.S. Census Bureau shows that approximately 36% of residents in Connersville and more than 26% of residents in Bloomington are living at or below 200% of the poverty level. When taken into account with the ever-growing cost of health care and related services, this is a real problem, but one we think Centerstone Health Services can help address.”
In 2020, Centerstone served more than 1,400 unique individuals and provided nearly 5,000 services. As the need for affordable health services continues to grow, Centerstone will seek to open a third clinic location in Columbus, Indiana, sometime in 2021. Centerstone also plans to apply for full FQHC status whenever a new application opportunity is announced by the HRSA.
