Rep. Scholten Highlights Urgent Need to Protect Community Health Center Funding During Visit to Cherry Health Center
GRAND RAPIDS, M.I. – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI03) welcomed Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) to West Michigan to tour the Cherry Health Heart of the City Health Center to continue her strong support for Michigan’s Community Health Centers (CHCs). She emphasized the critical role these health centers play in providing essential healthcare to underserved communities and discussed ongoing concerns about President Trump and Congressional Republicans’ funding cuts to Medicaid.
“Community Health Centers are on the frontlines of healthcare access in Michigan, providing affordable, comprehensive care to those who need it most,” said Rep. Scholten. “It is crucial that we listen to their concerns and ensure they have the support and resources needed to continue their life-saving work. Medicaid and telehealth are integral to their ability to deliver care to underserved Michiganders, and we must protect and expand these programs.”
Earlier this week in Washington, Scholten also met with leaders from Community Health Centers across the state and discussed potential funding cuts that would severely impact the quality of care and exacerbate healthcare disparities in Michigan.
The president and Congressional Republicans’ potential new work requirements for Community Health Centers undermines health centers’ ability to serve their communities effectively and threatens to deny much-needed care to millions of vulnerable people. Health centers rely on Medicaid to provide care that is both cost-effective and comprehensive, saving Medicaid an estimated $1,400 per patient annually. The requirements would disproportionately harm low-income communities by making it harder for health centers to continue offering care. During the meetings, Scholten underscored the importance of protecting Medicaid, which covers one in five adults and two in five children in Michigan.
Telehealth also remains a priority for Scholten, who supports the Telehealth Modernization Act to extend telehealth options by ensuring payment parity for virtual and in-person visits. Over 99% of Community Health Centers now use telehealth to expand access to care, especially for behavioral health services in rural areas.
Last year, Scholten selected Cherry Health and Michigan State Housing Development Authority as collaborative partners to receive $850,000 in Community Project Funding to relocate Cherry Health’s Community Alternative Program (CAP) and convert the old CAP facility into affordable housing units. The project will improve access to healthcare and affordable housing in the community. Scholten continues to press House Republicans to pass this funding into law.
As discussions continue in Washington, Scholten remains committed to advocating for policies that ensure all Michiganders have access to the care they need.