Monthly Archives: June 2012

The United States Supreme Court today announced that it was upholding the majority of the Affordable Care Act.

“In our 35 years of caring for low-income residents on the south side of Chicago, we are about to see radical change and reform in healthcare during our lifetime,” said Nick Valadez, chairperson of the board of directors of Chicago Family Health Center (CFHC). 

The decision to let stand the mandate requiring all Americans to purchase insurance through Health Insurance Exchanges will establish the right framework among providers, insurance companies, government and citizens, a practice essential for meaningful reform. This decision will keep health costs manageable and give everyone, rich or poor, the tools they need to be healthy.

The glitch comes in the Court’s decision to rule unconstitutional the required Medicaid expansion clause. The Medicaid expansion in the ACA offered low and moderate income Americans their best hope of obtaining full coverage for their health care needs

With more than 8,000 CFHC patients having no insurance, expanding Medicaid would have covered more than 6,000 of those patients in 2014. CFHC could have gained up to $1.6 million in new revenue to expand and improve vital programs and services such as pediatrics, women’s health and chronic care programs.

“Today’s decision gives hope to up to 57 million people nationwide who are either uninsured or underinsured,” said Warren J. Brodine, CEO of Chicago Family Health Center.  “But the Court’s rejection of the Medicaid Expansion clause is disheartening. The expansion represented the best of American ideals – public coverage being the clearest example of neighbors helping neighbors, communities helping communities.”

Chicago Family Health Center (CFHC), a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving the south side of Chicago has acquired the Chicago Department of Health South Chicago Neighborhood Health Clinic at 89^th and Exchange Ave.  As of July 1, 2012 CFHC will assume all the functions of this neighborhood health center which currently cares for more than 2,000 Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) patients. 

CFHC acquired the CDPH site after a competitive grant process awarded CFHC funds to expand its network of care in South Chicago. CFHC already operates five health center locations in South Chicago, Pullman, East Side, Roseland and Chicago Lawn.

“We are very excited to have been chosen by the City of Chicago to take on the important task of providing primary care to their former patients in South Chicago,” said Warren J. Brodine, Chief Executive Officer at Chicago Family Health Center.

CFCH will offer  the same quality services and care to patients including family medicine, vaccines and flu shots, prenatal care, pediatrics, HIV testing and more. The City of Chicago is leasing the first floor of this facility to CFHC for just $1 to open the new Chicago Family Health Center at 89^th St.  CFHC will fully staff physicians and support staff, as well equip, clean and paint the facility prior to opening on July 1.

 “CDPH patients can rest assured that they will continue to receive quality, affordable healthcare in their neighborhood,” added Brodine. “Chicago Family Health Center has  served this community for 35 years and our doctors and staff understand the needs of all their patients.”

Current CDPH and/or new patients can schedule appointments for Chicago Family Health Center at 89^th St. after July 1, 2012 by calling 773-768-5000.