Oklahoma gets $3.6 million in Affordable Care Act grants
BY WAYNE GREENE World Senior Writer
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
6/20/12 at 10:52 AM
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced federal Affordable Care Act grants Wednesday to six Oklahoma community health centers.
In Oklahoma, a total of $3,623,279 was awarded to help expand access to care for 22,312 additional patients.
The announcement came as tension mounts for a possible U.S. Supreme Court decision on the constitutionality of key parts of the Affordable Care Act. The high court's ruling on the future of the law's individual mandate -- and potentially the entire law -- is expected before the end of the month.
Nationwide, Sebelius announced a total of $128.6 million in grants to health centers. The grants will create 5,640 jobs for doctors, nurses, dental providers and many other staff supporting services to more than 1.25 million new patients, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
Oklahoma health centers receiving the grants include Northeastern Oklahoma Community Health Centers in Hulbert, $858,333; Stigler Health and Wellness Center, $377,446; East Central Oklahoma Family Health Center in Wetumka, $604,167; Great Salt Plains Health Center in Cherokee, $650,000; Shortgrass Community Health Centers in Hollis, $650,000; and Community Health Centers in Oklahoma City, $483,333.
