HRSA-funded Health Centers Are an Important Source of Care and Reduce Unmet Needs in Primary Care Services (Medical Care)

Authors examined differences in rates of unmet need between low-income uninsured and Medicaid patients of Health Resources and Services Administration–funded health centers (HRSA HCs) and safety-net clinics in general or private physicians. Logistic regression models were used to compare the predicted probabilities of unmet need for uninsured and Medicaid individuals whose usual source of care is HRSA HCs versus clinics in general or private physicians. The sample was a nationally representative survey of low-income, adult patients who identified HRSA HCs as their usual source of care. We used the National Health Interview Survey to independently identify low-income individuals whose usual source of care was clinics (National Health Interview Survey clinics) or physicians (National Health Interview Survey physicians) in the general population.

Dependent variables measured were unmet need and delay in medical care, and unmet need for prescription medications, mental health, and dental care. The primary independent variable of interest was the usual source of care. Authors controlled for potential confounders. Findings: The probability of unmet need for medical and dental care was lower among HRSA HC patients than individuals whose usual source of care were not HRSA HCs. Authors concluded HRSA HC patients have lower probabilities of unmet need for medical and dental care. This is likely because HRSA HCs provide accessible, affordable, and comprehensive primary care services. Expanding capacity of these organizations will help reduce unmet need and its consequences.

• Nadereh Pourat, PhD
• Xiao Chen, PhD
• Christopher Lee, MPH
• Weihao Zhou, MS
• Marlon Daniel
• Hank Hoang
• et al