Lobbying & Advocacy

AHA Files Formal Opposition to HRSA 340B Rebate Model — FQHC/Hospital Alignment on 'Flawed Mechanism'

The American Hospital Association filed formal opposition to HRSA's 340B rebate model RFI on April 20, 2026 — the comment deadline — framing 'any rebate mechanism is flawed' and warning the shift will cost billions and jeopardize access for millions. AHA joins NACHC and PhRMA in opposing the rebate pilot. The unified FQHC/hospital front strengthens the 340B defense as manufacturer rebate plans continue activating (Lilly, Novo already live; 9th plan effective April 1).

NACHC and PhRMA Split on 340B Reform Discussion Draft — Health Centers Reject Manufacturer Audit Provisions as 'Program-Gutting' Threat

Congressional staff circulated a 340B reform discussion draft that would grant manufacturers new audit rights over covered entities in exchange for limiting contract pharmacy restrictions. NACHC and 340B Health immediately rejected the draft, arguing that expanded manufacturer audit rights would allow pharmaceutical companies to dispute patient eligibility across virtually any dispensing event — effectively gutting the program. PhRMA endorsed the framework. The conflict signals that 340B reform language could be attached to the reconciliation bill as a deficit reduction mechanism, requiring FQHCs to fight simultaneously on Medicaid and drug savings fronts.

NACHC Activates National In-District Advocacy Week April 14–25 — FQHCs Hosting Congress During Recess

NACHC is mobilizing health centers nationally to host members of Congress in their clinics April 14–25 — the last major advocacy window before the Senate reconciliation vote on Medicaid cuts. CPCA is coordinating California in-district visits. The window is open right now.

Alameda County Launches 'Fight for Medi-Cal' Coalition with 30+ Organizations — Coordinated District-Level Pressure on House Republicans Through 2026 Election

Alameda County launched a 'Fight for Medi-Cal' coalition with 30+ health organizations, community groups, labor unions, and patient advocates pledging coordinated advocacy through the 2026 midterm election cycle. The coalition will focus on district-level constituent pressure on House Republicans in competitive CA districts, voter education on Medicaid stakes, and county supervisor testimony campaigns. AHS, Roots Community Health Center, La Clínica de La Raza, and Bay Area Legal Aid are among founding members. The model mirrors the successful Santa Clara Measure A coalition that passed a $330M/year local health tax.

CCALAC + Coalition of OC Community Health Centers Convene Joint Vision Summit — SoCal FQHC Alliance

The Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County (CCALAC) and the Coalition of Orange County Community Health Centers held a joint convening April 10, 2026 to align on a shared Southern California FQHC vision centered on dignity-based care and collective policy advocacy amid federal Medicaid cuts. The unprecedented LA+OC coalition signals the sector is consolidating voice to counter H.R. 1, the SEIU-UHW ballot initiative, and state-level budget pressures.

CCALAC & Coalition OC Unite at 25th Annual SoCal Symposium: 'Dangerous Policies' Threaten Safety Net

The Community Clinic Association of LA County (CCALAC) and the Coalition of Orange County Community Health Centers co-hosted the 25th Annual Southern California Health Care Symposium on April 10, naming 'dangerous state and federal policies coupled with a worsening workforce crisis' as threats to safety-net capacity. The event represents unified SoCal advocacy across LA + OC (100+ FQHCs) heading into the June 2 sales tax ballot and legislative session.

CPCA-PCDC California Health Impact Fund: Low-Interest Capital for FQHCs

The California Primary Care Association (CPCA) and Pacific Community Development Corporation (PCDC) operate the California Health Impact Fund — a low-interest loan program providing capital for FQHC facility expansions, equipment, and community-based care infrastructure. The fund integrates community development financing with health center needs, offering an alternative to traditional lending for safety-net providers facing capital constraints.

NACHC Report: 55% of Community Health Centers Cannot Fill Critical Positions

NACHC's latest workforce report finds 55% of community health centers face critical staffing shortages. Vacancy rates exceed 20% for physicians, nurses, and behavioral health providers. Meanwhile, 5.6 million patients could lose coverage under proposed work requirements — a $32 billion revenue loss for the CHC sector nationally.

NACHC P&I Forum: $4.6B CHCF Funding — Largest Increase in a Decade, But Expires Dec 2026

At the NACHC Policy & Issues Forum (Feb 9-12), leaders celebrated the $4.6B Community Health Center Fund as the largest increase in a decade, but warned it expires December 31, 2026 without reauthorization. NACHC also released policy papers on 340B drug pricing protection, workforce pipeline, telehealth permanence, and Medicare FFS reform. The program posted a 2% patient loss in 2025.

HRSA FY2026 Grants Aligned with 'Make America Healthy Again' Priorities

HRSA's FY2026 health center grants are being aligned with the administration's 'Make America Healthy Again' (MAHA) initiative, shifting funding priorities toward chronic disease prevention, nutrition, and mental health. FQHCs applying for new grants or renewals should align proposals with these priorities to maximize competitiveness.

LA County Healthcare Coalition Proposes Half-Cent Sales Tax to Replace Federal Cuts

A coalition led by St. John's Community Health CEO Jim Mangia, SEIU locals 721 and 2015, Community Clinic Association of LA County, and Planned Parenthood is pushing for a half-cent sales tax to offset Medi-Cal cuts affecting 3.3M county residents. Proposed allocation: 47% free/reduced-cost care for uninsured, 22% DHS, 10% DPH. Coalition requesting Board of Supervisors place measure on June ballot or will pursue November initiative through petition.