Federally qualified health centers in Oklahoma will no longer have access to the $1.2 million in the state health department's uncompensated care fund, according to The Oklahoman.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health is slated to officially end the fund for health centers this week, affecting 20 facilities.
Cassidy Heit, public policy and communications associate at the Oklahoma Primary Care Association, told The Oklahoman the uncompensated care fund will only be available for health centers if they are unable to get funding through grants, donations or other options.
The elimination of the uncompensated care fund for health centers comes as the state health department grapples with a $30 million budget shortfall, according to the report. The department has made other cost-cutting efforts, including a furlough for all employees making more than $35,000 annually.