Hope Clinic awarded additional federal funding

Photo courtesy Hope Clinic.

Hope Clinic location in Waxahachie, Texas.

ELLIS COUNTY — Ellis County Coalition for Health Options dba Hope Clinic announces its award of more than $260,000 in federal supplemental funding to support expansion of its comprehensive primary care services. This award has been added to the annual baseline funding that the clinic receives from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

"This financial assistance will help Hope Clinic increase access by allowing us to hire additional clinicians of care," CEO Paul Begnoche said. "It furthers our commitment to providing unsurpassed quality, compassionate, affordable and patient-centered health care, specifically for the underserved populations for the citizens in and around Ellis County."

Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell announced Hope Clinic’s award Sept. 15 as part of nearly $500 million in Affordable Care Act funding that was awarded nationwide to support health centers in providing primary care services to those who need them most. Hope Clinic’s award was part of the $350 million awarded to 1,184 health centers nationwide to increase access to services such as medical, oral, behavioral, pharmacy and vision care. Nearly $150 million was awarded to 160 health centers for facility renovation, expansion, or construction to increase patient or service capacity. Combined, the awards give 1.4 million more patients across every state access to health care.

These Health Center Expanded Services funds build on HHS’s investments to expand access to affordable care for the millions of Americans who have become insured through the Affordable Care Act. The next open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace begins Nov. 1, 2015; eligible people can enroll in Medicaid year round.

Since the beginning of 2009, health centers have added 6 million patients and are now serving nearly 23 million people each year. Today, more than 1,300 health center grantees operate about 9,000 clinic sites in every state and U.S. territory.

Hope Clinic provides comprehensive health care services including adult and pediatric primary health care, women’s health, dental care and restoration, and behavioral health assessment and treatment. The clinic also provides additional services that include prescription assistance, benefits counseling, case management, diabetes education and support, and nutrition and health education. Fees are based on income and household size for the uninsured and the underserved; the clinic accepts Medicare and Medicaid, along with private insurance.

Hope Clinic is located at 411 E. Jefferson St., Waxahachie. For more information on Hope Clinic, visit online at www.call4hope.org or call 972-923-2440.