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Free and low-cost health care

Last reviewed August 2026

Short answer: If you have no insurance, the main free or low-cost routes are federally qualified community health centers that charge on a sliding scale, hospital charity care programmes, free clinics, Medicaid or CHIP if you qualify, and dialing 211 for local referrals.

Key takeaways

  • Community health centers must see you regardless of insurance and charge on a sliding scale based on income.
  • Non-profit hospitals are required to have a written financial assistance policy — ask for it by name.
  • Medicaid and CHIP enrol year-round, not only during Open Enrollment.
  • Dialing 211 connects you to free local health, food and housing referrals in most of the US.

Start with a community health center

Federally qualified health centers are funded to serve everyone in their area, insured or not. Fees slide with household income and many visits cost a nominal amount. They handle primary care, chronic conditions, mental health, dental and prescriptions in one place.

Bring whatever proof of income you have, but do not delay an appointment because you cannot find paperwork — centers can usually enrol you on a self-declared income while documents follow.

Ask hospitals for financial assistance in writing

Non-profit hospitals must publish a financial assistance policy, and many write off bills entirely below a certain income. The wording matters: ask for 'charity care' or the 'financial assistance policy', not a discount.

You can apply after treatment and after a bill has been issued, and in many cases after it has gone to collections.

  • Request the financial assistance application in writing
  • Ask for an itemised bill and check it against the care you received
  • Ask for the account to be held while the application is reviewed
  • Ask about interest-free payment plans if you do not qualify for a write-off

Coverage you may already qualify for

Medicaid and CHIP accept applications all year. Eligibility depends on your state, household size and income, and children often qualify at much higher household incomes than adults.

If you are told you earn too much for Medicaid, check Marketplace premium tax credits before assuming coverage is out of reach.

Guides in this section

Where to get treated when you have no plan, no money, or a bill you cannot pay.

Frequently asked

Where can I see a doctor with no insurance and no money?

A federally qualified community health center or a free clinic. Both are required or funded to serve uninsured patients, and community health centers charge on a sliding scale tied to your income.

Can an emergency room turn me away if I cannot pay?

No. Under federal law, hospital emergency departments must screen you and stabilise an emergency condition regardless of your ability to pay or your insurance status.

Can I still get help after a bill goes to collections?

Often yes. Many hospital financial assistance policies allow applications after billing and after referral to collections. Ask the hospital's financial counsellor for the policy and the deadline it sets.

What is 211 and does it cost anything?

211 is a free referral line covering most of the US. It connects you with local health clinics, prescription assistance, food and housing support.

HealthQuotes AI is not a government agency, a medical provider or a crisis service, and does not provide medical, tax or legal advice. Everything listed here is a free or low-cost public service. See our editorial policy.

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