TCCH History - Treasure Coast Community Health

TCCH History

Treasure Coast Community Health

Affordable, Accessible, Local Healthcare

Since our inception in 1993, serving rural citrus, ranching and migrant populations, Treasure Coast Community Health (TCCH) has operated under the conviction that in order for a community to thrive and grow, there must be consistent and comprehensive health care from birth through the senior years.

What started as primary medical care grew to eight locations providing medical, vision, dental, behavioral health and pharmacy services for the insured and uninsured in Indian River County (IRC). TCCH prides itself on comprehensive, quality healthcare for all with special attention to the underserved. All are welcome. No one is turned away, because when those who struggle are shown compassion and grace, it elevates the entire population.

TCCH is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and, therefore, follows extremely high quality measures that translate directly to patient care. This means we develop programs and services that meet the existing needs of the community while monitoring key indicators to improve the health of the entire community. The experience and commitment of our board-certified providers and support staff equal that of other thriving health care facilities. Our staff receives continued education to assist patients with access to health services and ensure individual patient receive appropriate recommendations for care.

Federally Qualified Health Center

TCCH's Federally Qualified Health Center Status

What is the Federally Qualified Health Center?

A Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) is more commonly known as a Community Health Center (CHC) and is a provider of primary care services in a center that is community based and patient-directed. By mission and design, CHCs exist to serve those who have limited access to health care, although all are welcome. Unlike most private practices, CHCs welcome low-income individuals, the uninsured and underinsured, immigrants, migrant and seasonal farm workers, those who are homeless and those who live in public housing.

FQHCs are locally-based nonprofit organizations governed by a board of directors comprised of area volunteers.

At FQHCs, payment is based on ability to pay.

Uninsured patients, who are income eligible, pay based on a federally approved sliding fee discount to ensure income or lack of insurance is not a barrier to health and dental care. TCCH also assists insured with very high deductibles based on income and family size.

As an FQHC, TCCCH receives a small portion of funding under Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), a division of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Funding must be used for approved program purposes, not operations or salaries. This funding represents approximately 30% of TCCH’s annual budget, yet the majority of patients who are seen at TCCH have earnings of less than 200% of Federal Poverty Level guidelines and pay a reduced amount.

What are the Basics of A Community Health Center?

Community Health Centers are created for specific high-risk target populations such as medically underserved, low income, homeless or migrant populations. Indian River County is a low-income area with a shortage of medical professionals.
The volunteer Governing Board of Directors are community members, and the majority (51% or more) are users of the health centers, representing the patient population.
Community Health Centers provide comprehensive, high-quality, primary health care as well as helping individuals access health care specialists. TCCH provides medical, dental, vision, behavioral and mental health therapy and pharmacy services.

What is A Sliding Fee Discount?

FQHCs must use a sliding fee discount program patient family size and income in accordance with annual Federal Poverty Level guidelines. FQHCs must be open to all, regardless of their ability to pay.

Who are the Board of Directors?

At least 51% of an FQHC’s the volunteer Governing Board of Directors are community members, and the majority (51% or more) are users of the health centers, representing the patient population.

The Board must meet monthly and it is responsible for a variety of areas, including:

No other entity/individual can have the ability to override or veto governing board decisions.

Click here to go to About Us, Governing Board for more information.