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Last Updated: Thursday, 28 April 2022 17:36

Free and Charitable Clinics

What is a Free or Charitable Clinic? Clinics are safety-net health care organizations that utilize a volunteer/staff model to provide a range of medical, dental, pharmacy, vision and/or behavioral health services to economically disadvantaged individuals. Such clinics are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations, or operate as a program component or affiliate of a 501(c)(3) organization. 

Entities that otherwise meet the above definition, but charge a nominal/sliding fee to patients, may still be considered free or charitable clinics provided essential services are delivered regardless of the patient's ability to pay. Free or charitable clinics restrict eligibility for their services to individuals who are uninsured, underinsured and/or have limited or no access to primary, specialty or prescription health care.  

The mission of the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics is to ensure that the medically  underserved have access to affordable quality health care. However, it is our larger vision of being a national voice promoting quality health care for all that motivates donors, volunteers, and communities around the country to join our cause, as we work together to build a healthy America, one patient at a time.  Within our Association, we value volunteerism, generosity, collaboration and human dignity. See www.nafcclinics.org   

• See listing of Greater Hampton Roads Free and Charitable Clinics at Free-Charitable Clinics
• See listing of Virginia Free and Charitable Clinics at www.vafreeclinics.org    

Community Health Centers are also known as Federally Qualified Health Centers or FQHCs

What is a Community Health Center? Community Health Centers or CHCs are federally supported non-profit clinics located in medically underserved areas – both rural and urban. They share a mission of making comprehensive primary care accessible to anyone regardless of insurance status. Federal legislation requires every Health Center Program Grantees and Look-Alikes to have a governing board that represents its community. A majority of the board members must be patients who use the health center’s services.

According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), FQHCs:

• Qualify for funding under Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act (PHS).
• Qualify for enhanced reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid*, as well as other benefits
• Serve an underserved area or population  
• Offer a sliding fee scale  
• Provide comprehensive services (either on-site or by arrangement with another provider), including: 
  • Preventive health services 
  • Dental services 
  • Mental health and substance abuse services 
  • Transportation services necessary for adequate patient care 
  • Hospital and specialty care 
  • Have an ongoing quality improvement program 
  • Have a governing board of directors   

*Certain tribal organizations and FQHC Look-Alikes (organizations that meet PHS Section 330 eligibility requirements, but do not receive grant funding) also may receive special Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement.   See HRSA FQHC Fact Sheet

• See listing of Greater Hampton Roads Community Health Centers: Community Health Centers
• See listing of Virginia Community Health Centers: Virginia Community Health Association