Federally Qualified Health Centers

A Federally Qualified Health Center provides comprehensive health care services to underserved communities. An FQHC offers a sliding fee scale and cannot deny services due to an inability to pay. FQHCs include community health centers, tribal health clinics, migrant health services, and health centers for people experiencing homelessness.

FQHCs are not state licensed or accredited and may be certified to participate in the federal Medicare Program. 

For more information on the certification process, refer to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Information page, or contact your regional office (PDF).

Medicare Resources

• CMS - Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) Center
• CMS - Federally Qualified Health Center Fact Sheet (PDF)
• CMS - State Operations Manual, Chapter 2 The Certification Process (PDF)
• CMS - Quality, Safety & Oversight - Certification & Compliance

Related Resources

• Department of State Health Services – Federally Qualified Health Centers
• Health Care Facilities Regulation Guidance Letters