A new study, released by the George Washington University Medical Center, finds that:

• Uninsured patients seeking care at community health centers (CHC) are 22% more likely to receive a Pap smear and 17% more likely to have a breast exam than similar non-CHC patients.
• When Medicaid patients are included, CHC patients are 14% more likely to receive either procedure than non-CHC patients.

CHCs are located in medically-underserved areas and adjust their fees based on ability to pay.  They are apparently more efficient than the alternatives:

• CHCs spend 41% less ($1,810) per patient than other primary care providers.
• They saved between $10 billion and $18 billion in 2004.