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 Alaska

10 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 Alaska

Alaska family cases are heard in the Alaska Superior Court, one of the few states with a unified trial court structure. The Child Support Services Division within the Department of Revenue handles enforcement. Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau host the largest court locations; rural Alaska relies heavily on magistrates and remote hearings. Alaska Legal Services Corporation provides statewide civil legal aid.

10 Resources

1. Alaska Medicaid (Denali Care) — Free

State Medicaid program providing comprehensive health coverage for eligible low-income Alaska families, children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. Benefits include doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and behavioral health. Fathers can apply online or at the Juneau office weekdays; bring a photo ID, Social Security numbers, proof of income, and proof of Alaska residency to the interview.

(907) 465-3347 · 350 Main St, Juneau, AK 99801 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center — Paid

Federally qualified health center in Anchorage providing affordable primary care, dental, and behavioral health services on a sliding-scale fee based on income. Most insurance and Medicaid are accepted and no one is turned away for inability to pay. Fathers can call weekdays to schedule; bring a photo ID, insurance or Medicaid card, pay stubs for sliding-scale determination, and a list of current medications.

(907) 743-7200 · 1217 E 10th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. ACA Health Insurance Marketplace — Alaska — Free

Federal Health Insurance Marketplace where Alaska residents can compare plans, apply for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, and enroll in individual and family coverage. Fathers can enroll during open enrollment or a qualifying life event. Call the toll-free helpline any time or apply online; have Social Security numbers, income estimates, and household information ready to complete the application.

(800) 318-2596 · Online enrollment · 24/7 online · Visit Website

4. Interior Community Health Center — Fairbanks — Paid

Affordable healthcare for underserved communities in Interior Alaska, offering primary care, dental, and behavioral health services with sliding-scale fees. Most insurance and Medicaid accepted. Fathers can call weekdays to schedule; bring a photo ID, insurance or Medicaid card, pay stubs for sliding-scale determination, immunization records for children, and a list of current medications to the first appointment.

(907) 455-4567 · 1606 23rd Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

5. Kenai Peninsula Borough — Central Peninsula Hospital — Paid

Full-service hospital in Soldotna serving Kenai, Soldotna, Homer, and surrounding Peninsula communities with emergency, inpatient, surgical, and outpatient care around the clock. Fathers can call the main line any time for ER or hospital services; bring a photo ID, insurance or Medicaid card, a list of current medications, and any prior imaging or records when arriving for scheduled procedures or clinic visits.

(907) 714-4404 · 250 Hospital Pl, Soldotna, AK 99669 · 24/7 · Visit Website

6. Mat-Su Regional Medical Center — Paid

Regional hospital in Palmer providing emergency, inpatient, surgical, and outpatient care for Mat-Su Valley families around the clock. Services include labor and delivery, orthopedics, and behavioral health. Fathers can call the main line any time for ER services; bring a photo ID, insurance or Medicaid card, a list of current medications, and any prior medical records when arriving for scheduled clinic visits.

(907) 861-6000 · 2500 S Woodworth Loop, Palmer, AK 99645 · 24/7 · Visit Website

7. Fairbanks Memorial Hospital — Paid

Major regional hospital in Fairbanks offering full emergency services, inpatient and surgical care, labor and delivery, and specialty clinics for Interior Alaska families around the clock. Fathers can call the main line any time for ER or hospital services; bring a photo ID, insurance or Medicaid card, a list of current medications, and any prior imaging or medical records when arriving for scheduled procedures or clinic visits.

(907) 452-8181 · 1650 Cowles St, Fairbanks, AK 99701 · 24/7

8. Sitka Community Hospital — Paid

Hospital serving Sitka and surrounding Southeast Alaska communities with emergency, inpatient, outpatient, and long-term care services around the clock. Labor and delivery, surgery, and primary care clinics are available on site. Fathers can call any time for ER services; bring a photo ID, insurance or Medicaid card, a list of current medications, and any prior medical records when arriving for scheduled visits.

(907) 747-3241 · 209 Moller Ave, Sitka, AK 99835 · 24/7

9. Alaska Community Health Centers — Paid

Network of federally qualified health centers and look-alikes across Alaska offering sliding-scale primary, dental, and behavioral health care regardless of insurance status. Fathers can call the statewide office weekdays to find the nearest site or use the online locator; bring a photo ID, insurance or Medicaid card, pay stubs for sliding-scale determination, and a list of current medications to the first appointment.

(907) 563-2246 · Multiple locations statewide · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Indian Health Service — Alaska — Free

Federal healthcare system serving Alaska Native and American Indian people across Alaska through the Alaska Area Office in Anchorage, tribal health organizations, and village clinics. Services include primary, specialty, and behavioral health. Fathers who are tribal members or guardians of enrolled children can call weekdays; bring a photo ID, tribal enrollment information, and a list of current medications to appointments.

(907) 729-3686 · 4141 Ambassador Dr, Anchorage, AK 99508 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

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.