AMY SIMMONS FARBER 202 309 0338
Bethesda, MD, June 8, 2023 – In a significant win for Community Health Centers and Medicaid recipients, the Supreme Court of the United States has ruled in favor of the right of people in safety net programs to seek federal court protection if their health care and other essential benefits are jeopardized. The 7-2 decision in Health and Hospital Corp. v. Talevski confirmed the enforceability of the Federal Nursing Home Reform Act through Section 1983. This landmark ruling has far-reaching implications for Community Health Centers and the millions of Medicaid patients who rely on them for medical care.
The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) played a key role in the case, filing an amicus brief urging the Court to uphold section 1983 and recognize its significance for the nation’s health centers. NACHC’s focus was to support health centers and their patients who depend on appropriate and timely Medicaid reimbursement. Health centers serve as leaders in creating health equity, offering access to comprehensive health care and social support services that address the social determinants of health.
According to Rachel A. Gonzales-Hanson, Interim President and CEO of NACHC, “NACHC is pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision to preserve the ability of Community Health Centers to use section 1983 to safeguard their payment rights under the Medicaid statute. Health centers are crucial sources of primary care for Medicaid, Medicare, and uninsured patients. For decades, health centers have relied on section 1983 to guarantee they have the resources to serve the expanding Medicaid population. This victory comes at a critical time as health centers are working diligently to help Medicaid patients maintain coverage following the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.”
Health centers provide health services to more than 30 million patients, including one in five Medicaid beneficiaries. It is vital to their mission to serve all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. For over two decades, Congress has recognized the fundamental role health centers play in providing comprehensive, affordable, and dignified care to the most vulnerable and underserved communities. NACHC will continue to play an historic role in protecting and advocating for every health center across the country.
About the National Association of Community Health Centers
Established in 1971, the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) was founded to promote efficient, high-quality, comprehensive health care that is accessible, culturally and linguistically competent, community directed, and patient centered for all. NACHC serves as the leading national voice for America’s Community Health Centers and as an advocate for health care access for the medically underserved and uninsured.
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