NACHC Statement in Response to the Senate Finance Committee’s Budget Reconciliation Proposals

The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) today responded to the Senate Finance Committee's release of proposed changes to the budget reconciliation bill titled the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." NACHC is reviewing the legislation to assess its impact on Community Health Centers (CHCs) and the at least 32.5 million patients or 1 in 10 they serve nationwide, including 16 million people insured through Medicaid and at least 1 in 5 in rural America.

As lawmakers in the House and Senate deliberate changes to Medicaid, NACHC has led CHC advocates from around the country to educate Congress on how the partnership between CHCs and Medicaid saves lives and taxpayer dollars. Advocates have sent over 36,000 emails and calls and met with congressional lawmakers on Capitol Hill and in their districts.

CHCs provide cost-effective services that keep Medicaid patients healthy, prevent costly Emergency Department visits and hospitalizations, and reduce the need for specialty care. A new peer-reviewed study published in Health Services Research analyzing data from more than 3,100 U.S. counties confirms a direct correlation between communities that lose CHCs and increased mortality rates. In 2023, while CHCs provided care to at least 18% of all Medicaid beneficiaries, CHC payments made up only 2.3% of total Medicaid spending.

The Trump administration recognized the unique value of CHCs in battling chronic disease and keeping America healthy in the President's Budget Administration for a Healthy America Congressional Justification released earlier this month. It focused on CHCs' ability to deliver high-quality primary care, improve health outcomes, and lead on Trump administration Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiatives. The administration cited several studies showing that CHCs' model of integrated primary care lowers the cost of care for adult and pediatric Medicaid patients related to other primary care providers.

NACHC is closely monitoring the reconciliation process and working to influence the best outcome for CHCs and the at least 32.5 million patients or 1 in 10 they serve, including at least 1 in 5 in rural America.

Any changes the Senate makes to the reconciliation bill will have to be considered and passed by the House. The bill's supporters hope to send the final legislation to President Trump's desk in July.

About NACHC

NACHC's mission is to champion Community Health Centers delivering affordable, effective, comprehensive primary care that is community-driven and improves health for all.