Issue link: http://accesshealth.uberflip.com/i/231411
new access point The Department of Health and Human Services awarded Health Care Collaborative (HCC) of Rural Missouri a New Access Point grant in November 2013. As a result, the Live Well Community Health Centers in Waverly and Concordia will operate as Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). FQHCs qualify for federal grants and enhanced reimbursement for Medicare and Medicaid. HCC will receive $775,850 in year one, and $650,000 in level funding for subsequent years to help support both clinics. FQHCs must cater to underserved populations or areas, offer a sliding-fee scale, provide comprehensive services, execute an ongoing quality assurance program and have a governing board of directors. "It's difficult to put into words what this means to us and ultimately, to the communities that we serve," said HCC Executive Director Toniann Richard. "Many hours have been invested by many people to make this dream become reality. I would like to thank the HCC board of directors, our staff and consultants for their support and commitment. We've had so many people go above and beyond the call of duty to lend their support and expertise. A heartfelt, 'thank you,' also goes out to our network partners, including: Lafayette Regional Health Center, Pathways Community Health, I-70 Community Hospital, Carroll County Memorial Hospital, Fitzgibbon Hospital and Samuel U. Rogers Health Center. Their friendship and collaboration through the years have been a huge part of our success as a rural health care network." HCC's FQHC designation is timely. The organization has been working to create a model for a patient-centered medical home in Waverly, as well as assisting individuals with purchasing nsurance through the health insurance marketplace. As for those who don't qualify for the marketplace, and who don't qualify for Medicaid, the new designation will provide the clinics with additional resources to serve those who might otherwise get left behind. "This designation provides more resources to help those who might otherwise have nowhere to go for primary care services and no means to pay for it," Richard said. "In our line of work, we often identify with the motto, 'Leave no man behind.' Our goal is to simply provide quality health care— regardless of a person's ability to pay. No one should have to suffer or compromise quality of life because they can't afford health insurance."