Safety net clinics change models and expand access points

Driven by the Affordable Care Act and the need for more efficient and effective systems, many safety net clinics shifted toward more formalized institutions (e.g. Federally Qualified Health Clinics) and new business models. In 2013, the Kansas City CARE Clinic shifted from being solely a donor-funded clinic that provided free coverage to one that diversified its revenue streams to include private insurance. Another example is the Health Partnership Clinic of Johnson County, which became an FQHC in 2012. Lafayette County, Missouri, also experienced changes as two new clinics opened in Waverly and Concordia, which received federal funding to become FQHCs.