Primary Care Development Corporation (PCDC) strongly opposes the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) recently published notice on federal public benefits under the “Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996” (PRWORA), which significantly restricts access to health care services for undocumented individuals through federally funded programs, including Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).

Published on July 11, 2025, this change threatens community health by redefining the scope of how public benefits may be allocated. Despite decades of precedent that required FQHCs to serve all individuals regardless of immigration status, this change will prohibit the use of federal funds for health care services for undocumented immigrants.

FQHCs serve as a vital first line of defense, providing essential primary and preventive care to 31 million people – many of whom would otherwise go untreated. Access to affordable primary care through these providers can prevent conditions like heart disease and diabetes from becoming severe or life threatening. Without access to such care, PCDC believes this policy could worsen health outcomes in immigrant communities and the broader communities in which they live, further straining hospitals, emergency departments, and an already overburdened health care workforce.

“This policy is short-sighted, dangerous, will ultimately cost more, and is contrary to the principles of public health,” said Louise Cohen, CEO of PCDC. “Denying people access to basic primary health care will not make our communities healthier—it will make them sicker. FQHCs exist to protect the health of all people, and they must remain open to all, regardless of immigration status.”

Regular access to primary care is associated with positive health outcomes, reduces overall health care costs, and extends life expenctancy. When individuals are forced to delay care due to cost, fear, or legal uncertainty, they often develop more advanced and more expensive health conditions. This reactive model of care is far more costly and less effective than prevention and early intervention, which FQHCs are uniquely equipped to provide.

PCDC is alarmed by the abrupt and unilateral change which could have broad and disruptive effects on access to primary care.  Today, FQHCs, including 177 Migrant Health Centers across the country, are required to serve anyone who walks in their door, regardless of their ability to pay, using a sliding fee scale.  PCDC believes that this policy should remain in place, as one of the best ways to ensure that people across our communities have access to high quality health care.

“We urge HHS to immediately reverse this policy and preserve access to healthcare for all people,” said Cohen. “Protecting public health requires inclusive, preventive care—not exclusion and fear.”

PCDC remains committed to supporting FQHCs, advocating for increased primary care and a health care system that serves everyone.