Governor Touts vital role of federally qualified health centers

When it comes to providing families with medical treatment, community health care centers are playing a critically important role in this state. This week Governor Jon S. Corzine celebrated their contributions during a visit to the New Jersey Primary Care Association’s Big Bash Picnic in Mercer County Park.

 “We are celebrating National Health Center Week at a time when better, more efficient and affordable health care has moved to the forefront of the national debate,” Governor Corzine said. “In New Jersey, we are committed to the expansion and the mission of community health centers, which is to provide preventive and primary health care for New Jersey’s uninsured and underserved population.”

In 2006, there were 18 Federally Qualified Health Centers with 51 licensed sites. Now, in 2009, there are 20 with 93 licensed sites in New Jersey. Over the past four years, the state has strongly supported these health centers. Among other things, the state has provided these community health care centers with $142 million since 2006 in reimbursements for direct patient care. 

Under a 2008 budget initiative, patient care reimbursement was increased to further support what is the cornerstone of New Jersey’s health care safety net and to help the centers to provide longer hours. Most of the centers are now open 50 to 60 hours per week. As a result, these health centers were able to handle more than 1.1 million patient visits in 2008 and are now serving approximately 50,000 more people than in 2006.

“There can be no dispute that community-based health care providers serve as a critical link and an important partner for many of our residents,” added Governor Corzine.  "They have and will continue to provide an important safety net for those in need of medical care.''