SAN FERNANDO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — U.S. Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-San Fernando Valley) was pleased to note awards of more than $1 million in grants to community health centers throughout the Northeast San Fernando Valley, to help enroll uninsured Californians in health coverage options made possible by the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
“The people of the San Fernando Valley will immediately see the impact of these grants,” said Cárdenas. “Uninsured residents will learn more about how to work through community health centers to get health insurance, so they will be able to treat health issues before they become dangerous and even deadly. I look forward to working with these centers to insure as many people in California as we possibly can.”
A new report following the 2010 Census shows that 197,000 Californians in Cárdenas’ district, who lack health insurance, will have access to quality, affordable coverage without fear of discrimination or higher rates because of a preexisting health condition.
Funding community health centers was a key part of the preventive health care efforts present in the ACA. Earlier this month, the Department of Health and Human Services announced more than $150 million in grants to enroll uninsured Americans through these health centers. These grants will be used to hire additional outreach and eligibility assistance workers to assist millions of people nationwide with enrollment.
Community health centers deliver primary health care services in communities across the United States, serving more than 21 million patients annually. The centers will provide eligibility assistance to patients, with centers in all 50 states receiving grants.
Consumers will get help understanding their coverage options through the new Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program; determine their eligibility and what financial help they can get; and enroll in new affordable health coverage options.
The following clinics in the 29th District received grants:
VALLEY COMMUNITY CLINIC, North Hollywood, $203,903; NORTHEAST VALLEY HEALTH CORPORATION, San Fernando, $475,674; MISSION CITY COMMUNITY NETWORK INC., North Hills, $227,542 and; EL PROYECTO DEL BARRIO, INC., Arleta, $197,589.
