What is a federally qualified health center?

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are community-based healthcare providers that receive federal funding to provide primary care services in underserved areas. They must serve all patients regardless of ability to pay, offering a sliding fee scale based on income. FQHCs provide comprehensive primary care, dental, mental health, and pharmacy services.

Anyone can use an FQHC, regardless of insurance status, immigration status, or ability to pay. FQHCs are required by law to see all patients. They serve the uninsured, underinsured, patients with Medicaid or Medicare, and those with private insurance. Fees are based on a sliding scale according to family size and income.

What services do FQHCs provide?

FQHCs must provide primary medical care, preventive health services, dental care, mental health and substance abuse services, pharmacy services, and case management. Many also offer vision care, transportation assistance, health education, and translation services. Services vary by location.

Find Federally Qualified Health Centers Near You

Search 8,271 Federally Qualified Health Centers across the United States

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The National Landscape

Understanding Federally Qualified Health Centers across the United States

8,271

Federally Qualified Health Centers Nationwide

Data from CMS Provider of Services (POS) files and state licensing databases.

Understanding Federally Qualified Health Centers

Services FQHCs Provide

Primary care: Checkups, chronic disease management, preventive care, acute illness
Dental: Cleanings, fillings, extractions—many FQHCs have on-site dentists
Behavioral health: Counseling, substance abuse treatment, psychiatric services
Women's health: Prenatal care, family planning, breast/cervical cancer screening
Support services: Case management, eligibility assistance, transportation help

Who Can Use an FQHC?

Anyone: FQHCs serve everyone regardless of ability to pay or insurance status
Uninsured: Sliding fee scale based on income—pay what you can afford
Underinsured: High-deductible plans? FQHCs can be more affordable than other providers
Medicare/Medicaid: FQHCs accept these programs and often have shorter waits than specialists

Why Choose an FQHC?

Comprehensive: Medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy often under one roof
Affordable: Sliding fee scale means cost is based on your income
Accessible: Located in underserved areas, often with evening/weekend hours
Quality: Must meet federal quality standards and report outcomes

Using an FQHC

Call to get started: No referral needed. Call the health center directly to schedule a new patient appointment.

Bring documentation: Proof of income (pay stubs, tax return) to qualify for sliding fee scale. Insurance cards if you have coverage.

Ask about the fee scale: If uninsured, you'll pay based on income. At 100% poverty level, you may pay nothing. At 200%, reduced fees.

Check all services: Many FQHCs offer dental, mental health, pharmacy, and other services. Ask what's available at your location.

FQHC Payment Options

Sliding Fee Scale

Pay based on income and family size. Below 100% poverty: nominal fee or free. 100-200%: reduced fees. No one turned away for inability to pay.

Medicaid/Medicare

All FQHCs accept Medicaid and Medicare. Enhanced federal reimbursement means FQHCs can provide more comprehensive care.

Private Insurance

Most FQHCs accept commercial insurance. Your copays and deductibles still apply, but may be lower than other providers.

340B Drug Pricing

FQHCs get discounted drug prices—savings often passed to patients. Ask about on-site pharmacy or partner pharmacies.

Browse Federally Qualified Health Centers by State

Select a state to find Federally Qualified Health Centers in your area

Alaska 39 Alabama 150 Arkansas 122 Arizona 132 California 1027 Colorado 152 Connecticut 121 District of Columbia 42 Delaware 15 Florida 388 Georgia 224 Hawaii 54 Iowa 67 Idaho 77 Illinois 362 Indiana 174 Kansas 68 Kentucky 197 Louisiana 159 Massachusetts 124 Maryland 95 Maine 118 Michigan 252 Minnesota 60 Missouri 199 Mississippi 228 Montana 59 North Carolina 223 North Dakota 22 Nebraska 40 New Hampshire 32 New Jersey 115 New Mexico 132 Nevada 41 New York 414 Ohio 281 Oklahoma 103 Oregon 155 Pennsylvania 252 Rhode Island 45 South Carolina 181 South Dakota 53 Tennessee 156 Texas 455 Utah 52 Virginia 141 Vermont 54 Washington 210 Wisconsin 51 West Virginia 292 Wyoming 18

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Official Data

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