I don't have insurance — where do I go for primary care?

A Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) — every state has them, they charge on sliding-scale based on income, and they cover primary care, dental, mental health, and often pharmacy. Find one at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.

Do I qualify for Medicaid as a single dad?

In Medicaid expansion states, any adult with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level qualifies regardless of dependents. In non-expansion states, a custodial parent of a minor may qualify under lower thresholds. Apply at your state's Medicaid agency or through healthcare.gov.

What about an emergency with no insurance?

EMTALA requires every US hospital with an ER to stabilize any emergency regardless of ability to pay. Nonprofit hospitals must offer financial assistance (often free care up to 200% FPL). Never skip a real emergency over cost — ask about charity care when you arrive.

Is there help with prescriptions?

Patient assistance programs from drug manufacturers provide free or low-cost meds for uninsured patients. NeedyMeds and RxAssist list them. GoodRx and SingleCare provide discount pricing for uninsured buyers. FQHCs often include 340B pharmacy discounts on-site.

Healthcare in Alabama

17 verified resources.

About Healthcare for Fathers

Healthcare for fathers without insurance is accessible through Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs — also called community health centers), free clinics, hospital financial assistance programs, and Medicaid. FQHCs exist in every state and charge on a sliding scale; they provide primary care, dental, behavioral health, and prescription services. The HRSA health center locator lists all FQHCs. Free clinics (typically run by volunteer medical professionals) operate in most major cities. Medicaid eligibility expanded to adults without dependent children in states that adopted Medicaid expansion under the ACA — eligibility is generally up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. For uninsured emergencies, every hospital must stabilize regardless of ability to pay under EMTALA, and all nonprofit hospitals are required to offer financial assistance for qualifying patients. This directory includes FQHCs, free clinics, state Medicaid offices, and state ACA marketplaces.

Healthcare in Alabama

Alabama family law runs through circuit courts in each of its 67 counties, with the Alabama Department of Human Resources handling child support enforcement. Major population centers include Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, and Huntsville. Fathers can access free family court help through the Alabama Access to Justice Commission and Legal Services Alabama.

17 Resources

1. ALL Kids – Alabama Children's Health Insurance — Paid

Low-cost health insurance for children of Alabama fathers in families with incomes above Medicaid limits but below ALL Kids thresholds. Covers doctor visits, prescriptions, dental, vision, and hospital care. Dads can apply online or by phone; required documents include photo ID, proof of income, Social Security cards, and proof of Alabama residency. State office on Dexter Avenue Montgomery open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm for enrollment inquiries.

888-373-5437 · 501 Dexter Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

2. Alabama Medicaid Agency — Free

Free health coverage for eligible low-income Alabama fathers, families, pregnant women, children, and disabled residents. Covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and more. Dads can apply online at MyMedicaid.alabama.gov or at county offices; required documents include photo ID, Social Security cards, proof of income, and proof of Alabama residency. State office on Dexter Avenue Montgomery open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm for inquiries.

800-362-1504 · 501 Dexter Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Healthcare.gov – Alabama Marketplace — Free

Federal health insurance marketplace where Alabama fathers and families can compare and enroll in ACA plans, with subsidies available based on income. Open enrollment typically runs annually; special enrollment periods available for life events. Dads can apply online anytime at healthcare.gov with SSN, income information, and household details. Helpline available 24/7 at 800-318-2596 for application support and plan comparison assistance.

800-318-2596 · 24/7 online · Visit Website

4. Franklin Primary Health Center – Mobile — Paid

Federally qualified health center providing affordable primary, dental, and behavioral care for Mobile-area fathers and families at the MLK Jr Avenue campus. Sliding-scale fees based on income; Medicaid, Medicare, and insurance accepted. Dads can call to schedule intake; bring photo ID, insurance card, and proof of income. Services available regardless of ability to pay. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm with multiple locations across south Alabama.

251-432-4117 · 1303 Martin Luther King Jr Ave, Mobile, AL 36603 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Health Services of North Alabama — Paid

Community health center serving Huntsville-area fathers and families with affordable primary care at the Governors Drive SW location. Sliding-scale fees based on income; Medicaid, Medicare, and insurance accepted. Dads can call to schedule intake; bring photo ID, insurance card, proof of income, and any prior medical records. Services are available to low-income patients regardless of ability to pay. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

256-539-5026 · 118 Governors Dr SW, Huntsville, AL 35801 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

6. Central Alabama Comprehensive Health — Paid

Federally qualified health center serving rural central Alabama fathers and families at the Gulfstream Loop Tuskegee campus. Services include primary care, dental, and behavioral health on a sliding-scale fee based on income; Medicaid, Medicare, and insurance accepted. Dads can call to schedule intake; bring photo ID, insurance card, and proof of income. Services available regardless of ability to pay. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

334-418-0027 · 3504 Gulfstream Loop, Tuskegee, AL 36083 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

7. Alabama Department of Public Health — Free

State health agency providing immunizations, screenings, WIC, communicable disease control, and public health services for Alabama fathers and families statewide. Most services are free or low-cost. Dads can find county health departments online; services typically require photo ID and basic demographic information. State office on Monroe Street Montgomery open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm with local health department hours varying across the state.

334-206-5300 · 201 Monroe St, Montgomery, AL 36104 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Whatley Health Services – Tuscaloosa — Paid

Community health center providing primary care on a sliding-fee scale for fathers and families in the Tuscaloosa area at the MLK Jr Boulevard campus. Services include adult and pediatric care; Medicaid, Medicare, and insurance accepted. Dads can call to schedule intake; bring photo ID, insurance card, proof of income, and any prior medical records. Services available regardless of ability to pay. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

205-553-3653 · 2101 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Quality of Life Health Services – Gadsden — Paid

Federally qualified health center serving northeast Alabama fathers and families at the South 4th Street Gadsden campus, with additional locations across the region. Services include primary, dental, and behavioral care on a sliding-scale fee; Medicaid, Medicare, and insurance accepted. Dads can call to schedule intake; bring photo ID, insurance card, and proof of income. Services available regardless of ability to pay. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

256-547-9280 · 309 S 4th St, Gadsden, AL 35901 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Southeast Alabama Medical Center — Paid

Regional medical center serving the Wiregrass area with full hospital services for fathers and families at the Ross Clark Circle Dothan campus. Services include emergency care, inpatient, surgical, and specialty care. Insurance, Medicaid, Medicare accepted; financial assistance programs available for qualifying uninsured patients. Dads can call for financial assistance information. Emergency department open 24/7; outpatient services vary by clinic.

334-793-8111 · 1108 Ross Clark Cir, Dothan, AL 36301 · 24/7 ER · Visit Website

11. Huntsville Hospital – Financial Assistance — Paid

Huntsville Hospital offers charity care and financial assistance for qualifying uninsured and underinsured fathers and patients at the Sivley Road SW campus. Programs may cover all or a portion of hospital bills based on income and family size. Dads can apply through the hospital's financial counseling office; required documents include photo ID, pay stubs or tax returns, and bill copies. Hospital operates 24/7; financial office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

256-265-1000 · 101 Sivley Rd SW, Huntsville, AL 35801 · 24/7 · Visit Website

12. Cooper Green Mercy Health Services – Birmingham — Paid

Safety-net health system serving uninsured Jefferson County fathers and residents at the 6th Avenue South Birmingham campus. Services include primary, specialty, and dental care at reduced cost based on income and residency. Dads can call to apply for the Cooper Green health card; required documents include photo ID, proof of Jefferson County residency, and proof of income. Clinics open Mon-Fri 7am-5pm for patients enrolled in the program.

205-930-3200 · 1515 6th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233 · Mon-Fri 7am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Cahaba Medical Care – Centreville — Paid

Federally qualified health center providing primary and dental care in rural central Alabama for fathers and families at the Medical Center Drive Centreville campus. Sliding-scale fees based on income; Medicaid, Medicare, and insurance accepted. Dads can call to schedule intake; bring photo ID, insurance card, and proof of income. Services available regardless of ability to pay. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm with multiple additional sites across the region.

205-926-4476 · 200 Medical Center Dr, Centreville, AL 35042 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. NeedyMeds – Alabama Drug Assistance — Free

Free online database of patient assistance programs for prescription medications, medical bill help, and related resources for Alabama fathers and families. Dads can search for programs by medication, condition, or need at needymeds.org. No registration required; the site also hosts a free drug discount card accepted at most pharmacies. Services and tools are free; available 24/7 online with no ID or eligibility requirement to browse.

24/7 online · Visit Website

15. Decatur-Morgan County Free Clinic — Free

Free primary care for uninsured adult fathers and residents in the Decatur area at the 2nd Avenue SE location. Services include basic medical care, medication assistance, and referrals. Dads must be uninsured and meet income guidelines; required documents include photo ID, proof of income, and proof of Morgan County residency. Services are free. Clinic operates Mon-Thu by appointment; call to schedule and verify eligibility criteria.

256-340-2211 · 806 2nd Ave SE, Decatur, AL 35601 · Mon-Thu by appointment

16. Community Health Center of Southeast Alabama – Troy — Paid

Affordable primary healthcare for fathers and families in Pike and surrounding counties at the Highway 231 South Troy campus. Services include primary and preventive care on a sliding-scale fee; Medicaid, Medicare, and insurance accepted. Dads can call to schedule intake; bring photo ID, insurance card, and proof of income. Services are available regardless of ability to pay. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm with additional sites across southeast Alabama.

334-566-7600 · 1435 US Hwy 231 S, Troy, AL 36081 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

17. Alabama Free Clinic – Birmingham — Free

Free medical care for uninsured and underinsured Birmingham residents including fathers at the 4th Avenue South location. Services include primary care, chronic disease management, and medication assistance through volunteer providers. Dads must meet income and insurance eligibility; required documents include photo ID, proof of income, and proof of residency. Services are free. Clinic operates Mon-Thu 8am-4pm; call for appointment and eligibility verification.

205-933-0023 · 3720 4th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222 · Mon-Thu 8am-4pm

Healthcare — Common Questions

I don't have insurance — where do I go for primary care?: A Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) — every state has them, they charge on sliding-scale based on income, and they cover primary care, dental, mental health, and often pharmacy. Find one at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
Do I qualify for Medicaid as a single dad?: In Medicaid expansion states, any adult with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level qualifies regardless of dependents. In non-expansion states, a custodial parent of a minor may qualify under lower thresholds. Apply at your state's Medicaid agency or through healthcare.gov.
What about an emergency with no insurance?: EMTALA requires every US hospital with an ER to stabilize any emergency regardless of ability to pay. Nonprofit hospitals must offer financial assistance (often free care up to 200% FPL). Never skip a real emergency over cost — ask about charity care when you arrive.
Is there help with prescriptions?: Patient assistance programs from drug manufacturers provide free or low-cost meds for uninsured patients. NeedyMeds and RxAssist list them. GoodRx and SingleCare provide discount pricing for uninsured buyers. FQHCs often include 340B pharmacy discounts on-site.