This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
CA community health clinics get $22M in federal funds to help enroll patients in Obamacare
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius.
(
Alex Wong/Getty Images
)
Listen
0:43
CA community health clinics get $22M in federal funds to help enroll patients in Obamacare
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced on Wednesday $150 million in grants to federally-qualified community health clinics nationwide to enroll the uninsured in health plans mandated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
In California, 125 community health clinics that provide primary care at 1,221 sites in the state will receive $21.9 million to help sign up the uninsured for health insurance through the state-run marketplace, Covered California, and through Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program for the poor.
The infusion of grant money will be used, in part, to hire more than 400 people to assist enrollment efforts in the Golden State.
The ACA, President Obama's federal health care law, requires nearly every American to have health insurance by Jan. 1, 2014 or to pay a penalty, which starts out small, then grows over time.
The state's community clinics serve more than three million Californians, more than 40 percent of whom are uninsured, according to HHS.
UPDATE 12:54 PM: This story was updated to reflect a correction in number of California health clinics that received grants from 127 originally reported by HHS to the correct number, 125 clinics.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
