True or False: A federally qualified health center must serve an affluent patient population in order to qualify for federal subsidies.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Depends

Answer: (B)

Federally Qualified Health Centers are meant to expand access for underserved populations, not for affluent groups. To qualify for federal subsidies, an FQHC must meet criteria set by HRSA: be located in a medically underserved area or serve a medically underserved population, provide comprehensive primary care, offer services on a sliding fee scale based on income, and operate as a nonprofit or public entity with a community-governed board. Since the subsidies and enhanced reimbursements are aimed at improving access for low-income and underserved patients, serving an affluent population would not meet the requirements and would undermine the purpose of the funding.