No insurance? High deductible? You can still get care. Community health centers serve millions of people across the country, and they charge based on what you can afford.
What community health centers are
Community health centers, sometimes called federally qualified health centers, receive federal funding to provide care in underserved areas. Many offer:
- Primary care and checkups
- Dental care
- Mental health and substance use services
- Prenatal care
- Pharmacy services at reduced prices
- Help applying for Medicaid, CHIP, and marketplace coverage
How the sliding fee scale works
Health centers must offer discounts based on household income and size. If your income is low, you might pay only a small flat fee for a visit. They cannot turn you away because you can’t pay.
How to find one
- Use the HRSA “Find a Health Center” tool and enter your address.
- Call to ask about new patient appointments, languages spoken, and what to bring.
- Bring proof of income and household size to qualify for the sliding fee discount.
Other low-cost options
- Free clinics run by volunteers
- County health departments for vaccines, family planning, and screenings
- Urgent care clinics for minor issues, which usually cost less than the emergency room
- Hospital financial assistance programs, also called charity care, for large hospital bills
What to bring to your first visit
- A photo ID
- Proof of income, like recent pay stubs or a benefits letter
- Proof of household size, if the center asks
- Your insurance card, if you have one
- A list of medications you take
If you don’t have some of these, call ahead and ask. Many centers will still see you and help you figure out the paperwork.
Why health centers are worth it even if you have insurance
Health centers aren’t only for people without insurance. Many accept Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, and private insurance. Because they often offer medical, dental, mental health, and pharmacy services in one place, they can make it easier to take care of your whole family’s health without going to several different offices.
Mental health and substance use help
Many health centers have counselors, social workers, or behavioral health providers on staff. If you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or substance use, ask your health center what services they offer. If you’re in crisis, you can call or text 988 any time.
A real-life example
Carlos had been ignoring a toothache for months because he didn’t have dental insurance. A friend told him the community health center in his neighborhood had a dental clinic. He brought a recent pay stub, qualified for the sliding fee, and paid a small fee for his visit.
While there, he also had a checkup and learned he qualified for Medicaid, which the center’s enrollment staff helped him apply for.
Tips from people who have been through it
- Call early in the day. Some centers keep same-day appointments.
- Bring proof of income to get the right discount.
- Ask if the center has a pharmacy with discounted prices.
- Ask about evening or weekend hours if you work during the day.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be a citizen to use a health center?
Health centers serve everyone, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.
Do they speak Spanish?
Many health centers have bilingual staff or interpreters. Ask when you call.
Can they help me apply for insurance?
Yes. Many have staff who help patients enroll in Medicaid, CHIP, or marketplace plans.
Related guides
- Medicaid Eligibility and How to Apply in Your State
- Help With Medical Bills: Hospital Charity Care and Other Options
- CHIP: Low-Cost Health Insurance for Kids
Official resources
This guide is for general information only. US Assistance Guide is an independent website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any government agency. Program rules, income limits, and benefit amounts change often and vary by state, so always confirm details with the official agency before you apply.