Kansas City Care Clinic receives federal designation

The Kansas City Care Clinic announced Wednesday that it has been designated a federally qualified health center, making it eligible for federal grants and enhanced Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement.

The clinic, formerly the Kansas City Free Health Clinic, said the designation will bring with it approximately $650,000 in federal funds. The money will allow it to expand its capacity to provide primary care for underserved patients in the Kansas City region.

In addition to serving its traditional clientele of uninsured adults, the clinic now offers pediatric care and services to senior citizens and those on Medicare and Medicaid.

Founded 44 years ago as the Westport Free Health Clinic for the uninsured, the Care Clinic has been adapting in recent years by shifting its business model from that of a free clinic to a charitable clinic that provides care to both insured and uninsured patients.

Alan Bavley, abavley@kcstar.com

This story was originally published August 12, 2015 at 5:56 PM with the headline "Kansas City Care Clinic receives federal designation."