HRSA Look-Alike Initial Designation Technical Assistance

For program information:
301.594.4300
Online contact forms

This opportunity provides resources to assist organizations in the application for Look-Alike Initial Designation under the Health Center Program. The purpose of the Look-Alike Designation is to maximize access to care for medically underserved populations and communities by allowing entities that do not receive Health Center Program funding to apply to become part of the Health Center Program. Once designated, Look-Alikes may become eligible for Medicaid and Medicare Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Prospective Payment System (PPS) reimbursement, HRSA's 340B Federal Drug Pricing Program, and other related programs.

Eligible organizations include public or nonprofit health centers that currently provide comprehensive primary care to underserved populations and operate in compliance with Health Center Program requirements.

Links to application instructions and additional guidance are available on the program website.

Initial look-alike designation applications are accepted on a rolling basis and must be submitted through HRSA Electronic Handbooks (EHBs). Once an application is initiated in EHB, there is a 90 day window to complete and submit it.

Health Center Program GeoCare Navigator:
This tool may help with applications for New Access Point, Service Area Competition, Look-Alike, and Change in Scope. The tool may be used to conduct research, explore service areas, health centers, and relevant data.