Older adults across Michigan and around the country are applauding a boost in funding for community health centers thanks to Congress’ passage of a bipartisan spending package.
House Resolution 43-66 is a package of six appropriations bills that continue funding for several programs and helps avoid a partial government shutdown.
Michigan community health centers serve more than 715,000 patients each year, many in rural areas. Joe Dunn with the National Association of Community Health Centers says their services help remove barriers for older adults in getting access to affordable healthcare.
“Over 100 million Americans need better access to primary care,” Dunn said. “Incentivizing people to get primary care, there’s fewer hospitalizations and complications from chronic conditions based on preventative screening and care. These investments reduce the cost over the long term.”
Community health centers in Michigan each year provide more than 72,000 support services like transportation, translation, and health education to better serve their communities.
Dunn adds roughly one in 11 Americans gets his or her primary care from community health centers.
