Community health centers are on the front lines — serving anyone who walks through our doors, regardless of their ability to pay. The changes coming through legislation, such as HR1 and student loan restrictions, will hit us hard.
Here’s what’s happening, and how members of our community can truly help.
With the new work requirements, loss of ACA subsidies, and other policy changes, we expect a significant number of our patients to lose their health insurance. When that happens, they’ll move to our sliding fee scale program, which means we can only charge nominal fees that don’t cover the true cost of care. Right now, community health centers in Virginia are losing about $110 per patient per visit.
Contact: State delegates and senators
Ask: Support increasing state funding for the CHC General Fund that covers uninsured patients.
Many large corporations have made Virginia their home — data centers, Amazon, Hilton, pharmaceutical companies. These companies get major tax breaks to operate in Virginia, but their workers often rely on community health centers for affordable care. Fair corporate contributions mean stronger, healthier communities — and less strain on organizations like ours that are already stretched thin.
Contact: State delegates and senators
Ask: Ensure that large corporations pay their fair share toward Virginia’s healthcare system.
The federal government is looking to cap how much individuals can borrow if they want to become healthcare professionals — MDs, DOs, dentists, social workers, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants. Those caps will make it nearly impossible for many to afford the education required for these careers. And that means fewer future providers — fewer clinicians for your neighbors, your families, your community.
Contact: State delegates and senators
Ask: Reduce tuition at state schools so it matches the new federal borrowing caps.
Contact: Representatives | Senators
Ask: Support bills that make education for future clinicians financially attainable for Virginians.
Contribute to the Community Healthcare Scholarship Fund, which provides early-career readiness support to future health professionals as they prepare for careers in public health and community healthcare. Every donation, of any amount, helps these students overcome financial barriers and realize their full potential.