For example. it does not provide for jury trials or the award of punitive damages. These streamlined procedures act to reduce the number of. and costs associated with. tort claims. By reducing insurance costs. the more than 500 community and migrant health centers can provide more direct medical services to the 5 million Americans who rely on these centers for their primary health care needs. In the initial 3 years of our experience under the FTCA. it is encouraging to find that all experience suggests that health centers have a lower incidence of malpractice claims than comparable private insurance providers. Through fiscal year 1995. it has been estimated that only 15 claims have been filed nationwide against the 119 participating health centers.