Session Description: Community Health Centers serve nearly 34 million patients—10% of the U.S. population—yet operate with just ~1% of total national health expenditures. With Medicaid redeterminations, workforce shortages, and rising costs, building financial resilience is no longer optional—it is mission-critical. This session highlights strategies CHCs can use to stabilize finances while protecting access and quality. We will highlight case studies, such as one Iowa health center whose medical teams increased their daily patient volume from 14.66 patients per provider to 15.57 patients—nearly one additional visit per provider per day compared to pre-pandemic levels. Behavioral health teams saw even greater gains, improving from 8.83 to 10.52 patients per day—a 19% increase in capacity without adding new staff. These measurable improvements directly translate into expanded access, reduced patient wait times, and stronger margins. Participants will learn how to align operations with clinical services, build systems that keep patients engaged through Medicaid redeterminations, and leverage performance data to guide resilience strategies. By linking everyday workflows to financial stability and access, CHCs can weather instability and position themselves as providers of choice in their communities.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participants will be able to identify three financial risks facing CHCs in 2026.
Upon completion, participants will be able to apply two evidence-based operational strategies that improve both productivity and financial adaptability.
Upon completion, participants will be able to develop an action plan linking financial stability to patient access and workforce sustainability.
