Sawtooth Mountain Clinic (SMC) is a federally funded community clinic. It is organized as a not-for-profit entity, meaning that there are tax benefits for clinic operations and gifts to SMC qualify as tax deductible. SMC has benefited from this federal funding for more than 25 years.

Federally supported Health Centers have provided comprehensive, culturally competent, quality primary health care services to medically underserved communities and vulnerable populations.

Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) include all organizations receiving grants under section 330 of the Public Health Service Act. FQHCs qualify for enhanced reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid, as well as other benefits. FQHCs must serve an underserved area or population, offer a sliding fee scale, provide comprehensive services, have an ongoing quality assurance program, and have a governing board of directors. An FQHC must be a public entity or a private non-profit. The board must include a majority (at least 51%) of active, registered clients of the health center who are representative of the populations served by the center. The governing board ensures that the center is community based and responsive to the community's health care needs. FQHCs must provide primary care services for all age groups. FQHCs must provide preventive health services on site or by arrangement with another provider. Other requirements that must be provided directly by an FQHC or by arrangement with another provider include: dental services, mental health and substance abuse services, transportation services necessary for adequate patient care, hospital and specialty care. FQHCs must also have professional call coverage when the practice is closed, directly or through an after hours care system. FQHCs must use a sliding fee scale with discounts based on patient family size and income in accordance with federal poverty guidelines. FQHCs must be open to all, regardless of their ability to pay. There are many benefits of being an FQHC. For FQHCs that are PHS 330 grant recipients, the biggest benefit is the grant funding.

For new starts, funding up to $650,000 can be requested. Other benefits include:

• Enhanced Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement
• Medical malpractice coverage through the Federal Tort Claims Act
• Eligibility to purchase prescription and non-prescription medications for outpatients at reduced cost through the 340B Drug Pricing Program
• Access to National Health Service Corps
Access to the Vaccine for Children program
• Eligibility for various other federal grants and programs