Struggling to find affordable healthcare? You’re not the only one. Roughly half of Americans find it difficult to cover healthcare costs. Between high premiums, large deductibles, and hefty co-pays, even insured individuals face big bills. Without insurance, paying for healthcare can be even more expensive.
Fortunately, there are resources available right in your own neighborhood. In this guide, we’ll cover how to find low-cost clinics and free health clinics, as well as expert tips for making the most of free healthcare services if you don’t have insurance.
You don’t need to skip out on important health services just because you can’t afford the standard cost of care. Between private and publicly funded organizations, as well as charitable groups, resources are available to individuals who are uninsured or underinsured, and those with low income. Clinics are a good place to start, but there are plenty of initiatives dedicated to bringing quality healthcare to underserved groups.
Sometimes, the best place to start your search is in your own neighborhood. Community events and venues such as libraries, recreation centers, and town halls often provide information on local medical clinics. Visit these public buildings and look for bulletin boards — that’s where you’ll often find fliers on upcoming public health events. Social workers are sometimes on-site at these public businesses and can answer your questions about healthcare resources. You can also check the local public schools for similar information. Public schools — including community colleges — often organize events like health fairs and pop-up clinics.
Most cities and some rural regions have government-run affordable clinics known as Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). Often referred to as community health centers, these organizations offer low-cost and/or free services to individuals from low-income households. FQHCs are funded by Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP, and receive reimbursement from these programs in exchange for providing low-cost or free services. They usually provide the following types of care:
FQHCs provide care to both insured and uninsured patients. Depending on your insurance status and/or household income, you may need to pay a small amount for services.
You can easily locate FQHCs near you on the Health Resources and Service Administration website or the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics website.
Rather than charging a set price for services, sliding-scale clinics base their prices on an individual’s ability to pay. Most clinics operate on a tiered scale, which means the lowest-earning patients pay the least, and the highest-earning patients pay the most.
You will typically need to provide some proof of income, such as a tax return, pay stubs, or proof of unemployment. The clinic will calculate your fees, based on the information you provide them. In some cases, you might pay nothing at all.
Need help finding a local health clinic that operates on a sliding scale? NeedyMeds and the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics can help you locate sliding-scale clinics near you.
In addition to federal clinics, there are also state and county health departments (CHDs) that offer low-cost or free healthcare services to residents of the state or county. CHDs differ from FQHCs in that, they are local government agencies that serve their county residents with primary care services including:
You can sometimes find low-cost urgent care at your CHD, too. If you’re facing a non-life-threatening medical event, but can’t wait for an appointment with your primary care doctor, check to see if your local CHD has an urgent care center. The National Association of County and City Health Officials has a helpful tool for locating your county health department.
Not sure where to get started on your search for a low-cost medical clinic? Take advantage of these online tools to find clinics in your area:
Always check a clinic’s website before visiting, to confirm their payment structure, and what documents you might need to provide to receive treatment and/or a discount.
Your state’s social services department along with local nonprofits are often excellent resources for information on low-cost healthcare. Go to your state’s social service website to get in touch with a social service worker who specializes in connecting underserved members of your community with essential healthcare.
Your local United Way or Salvation Army branch might also have information on free and low-cost clinics. Many of these nonprofits even organize regular pop-up clinics and wellness fairs, so check their bulletin board for fliers. You can also use Charity Navigator or GuideStar to find non-profits in your area focusing on healthcare.
Student-run clinics and teaching hospitals can be affordable alternatives to traditional healthcare facilities. In both settings, you will be cared for by medical students who are under the supervision of a licensed physician. However, these care options differ in important ways:
The easiest way to find a nearby student clinic or teaching hospital is to reach out to a local college or university with a medical program and inquire about these services.
Most religious organizations offer some sort of community outreach healthcare program. In fact, you can sometimes access low-cost health insurance plans known as health share plans through faith-based groups.
Reach out to your local church, mosque, synagogue, or other religious venue and ask about their healthcare initiatives. Some put on regular free or donation-based healthcare clinics that are open to all — regardless of religious affiliation. If you are an active member of your local religious group, you may have access to a community medical fund, designed to help members pay for critical care.
Looking for an affordable alternative to visiting a doctor in person? Consider telehealth visits! With or without insurance, virtual visits tend to cost less than in-person visits. Check with your provider to see if they offer virtual visits, which can be right for general health visits, mental health care, diagnosis and prescriptions for common infections, and other non-urgent matters. Some clinics also offer virtual visits.
GoodRx makes it easy to be virtually connected with a licensed physician who specializes in your concern and can even write you a prescription without a visit. Teladoc Health is another virtual platform offering 24/7, professional care. Be prepared to answer some questions about your health and insurance status to get started.
If you prefer in-person care, but can’t make it to a doctor’s office or clinic, find a mobile clinic in your area. Mobile clinics are operated by licensed practitioners who travel to underserved areas to provide preventative and general healthcare. Their vehicles are often outfitted with medical equipment, enabling them to perform exams, do labs, administer vaccines, and offer other primary care services. Mobile clinics can be privately or publicly funded, so each one has a unique payment structure. However, they are generally affordable and made for low-income, underinsured, and uninsured individuals. You can use the Mobile Health Map to find mobile clinics near you.
Now that we’ve provided you with lots of information on how to find free clinics and low-cost healthcare, let’s make sure you’re prepared to make the most of it! So below are some tips for finding the best care facility/provider for your health and financial needs:
Medical events can be stressful, but finding quality, affordable care doesn’t have to be when you follow these tips. For more information, check out our guide to managing healthcare costs.
Ready to find a health insurance plan that revolves around you? At Insurance ‘N You, we’re committed to matching you with the right coverage at the right price, so you can keep up with wellness and health goals.
We make it easy to compare health insurance quotes for plans that fit your life. Whether you need to know if a certain screening is covered, or whether your doctor offers telehealth visits, just ask our AI assistant and get instant answers to your health questions. We also make it easier than ever to keep track of important documents with our easy-to-use digital wallet.
At Insurance ‘N You, we’re all about you, so reach out today and get your quote. Quality healthcare is just a few clicks away!
Looking for more information on affordable healthcare? Find answers to common questions about low-cost care options below.
If you’re insured, the cheapest place to see a doctor will likely be at an in-network provider’s office, where you’ll only pay a small co-pay (if any). Otherwise, FQHCs and county health departments often provide services at no cost or a nominal fee.
Some free medical clinics are truly free to all, while others base their payment structure on the patient’s ability to pay. At sliding-scale clinics, individuals who make the least pay the least, and those who make the most pay the most. Select clinics charge zero fees to uninsured individuals, and small fees to insured individuals. Before visiting a clinic, inquire about their payment structure to understand your costs.
In most cases, you do not need insurance to visit a free clinic. Free clinics are usually designed to serve underinsured and uninsured individuals. Inquire with the specific clinic about their insurance requirements before visiting.
If you visit a free clinic that is intended for uninsured individuals, you will most likely pay nothing or a small fee. However, if you visit a clinic that requires insurance but you don’t currently have a plan, you will have to pay for the full cost of care out-of-pocket, which can be expensive. Before visiting a clinic, ask if they treat uninsured patients.
Many free clinics accept walk-ins. In fact, some only accept walk-ins and do not take appointments. However, if a clinic offers appointments, it’s a good idea to make one since attending as a walk-in could result in long wait times.
Free clinics offer a variety of preventive and general health services. These vary by clinic but can include:
Check with your local clinic to learn what services they offer.
If there is a licensed physician on-site, most free clinics can write you a prescription. However, free healthcare clinics are typically run entirely by nurses, technicians, or medical students who cannot provide prescriptions. Check with your local clinic to see if they offer prescription services.
Free and low-cost clinics are intended for individuals who do not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare, or for those who cannot afford their copay, co-insurance, or deductible. Priority is given to individuals who are unable to pay. However, some clinics will accept anyone, regardless of ability to pay. It’s always a good idea to call your preferred clinic in advance to confirm whether or not they will treat you.
If you qualify for health insurance subsidies, signing up for an affordable health plan can be the best way to get quality, low-cost care. Individuals who qualify for Medicaid often pay very low premiums and co-pays, and sometimes do not pay anything at all. With insurance, you won’t be limited to free and low-cost clinics. Instead, you can get set up with a primary care physician who can oversee your long-term health goals. Plus, all ACA-compliant plans include preventative services like vaccines, checkups, and certain screenings for free.
