By: Susan Sumrell

On June 6, 2011, HHS announced theFederally Qualified Health Center Advanced Primary Care Demonstration (FQHC APCP) project is a 3 year demonstration project, specifically for FQHCs.  This demo is designed to evaluate the effect of the advanced primary care practice model (also known as the patient-centered medical home) on improving care, promoting health, and reducing cost of care.  It will be conducted by the CMS Innovation Center in up to 500 health center sites, with the goal of transforming participating health centers to an NCQA Level 3 Primary Care Medical Home by the end of the demonstration. Those participating sites will receive $6 per member per month and technical assistance to help transformation efforts.

Beginning June 6, 2011, those health center sites that are eligible for the CMS demonstration will receive an invitation to apply from CMS Administrator Dr. Berwick and HRSA Administrator Dr. Wakefield. Applications will be accepted until August 12, 2011.

NOTE: Only those that receive an invitation will be eligible to apply for the demo, so FQHCs should be on the lookout for this invitation to see if their health center meets the requirements for the demonstration. 

We would love to know if you’ve been invited!  Click here to let us know if your health center received an invitation.

For more information on the demonstration, please visit the CMS demonstration website and the HHS press release.  For any questions, you can email fqhc_med_home@cms.hhs.gov.