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 Arizona

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 Arizona

Arizona handles custody (called 'legal decision-making' and 'parenting time') in superior courts in all 15 counties. The Division of Child Support Services operates under DES. Maricopa County (Phoenix) runs the nation's busiest family court. Major metros include Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Chandler. Community Legal Services and Southern Arizona Legal Aid cover most of the state.

17 Resources

1. AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid) — Free

Arizona's Medicaid program (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System) providing low- or no-cost health coverage to income-eligible individuals, families, children, pregnant women, and adults with disabilities. Covers medical, hospital, prescription, dental, vision, and behavioral health through managed care plans. Apply online at healthearizonaplus.gov or at a local DES office. Applicants typically need photo ID, SSNs, proof of income, and proof of Arizona residency.

602-417-4000 · 801 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85034 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Healthcare.gov - Arizona Marketplace — Free

Federal health insurance marketplace for Arizona residents to compare, apply for, and enroll in ACA qualified health plans. Premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions are available based on household income for most enrollees. Open enrollment runs annually; Special Enrollment Periods are available for qualifying life events (job loss, marriage, new child). Apply online at healthcare.gov or by phone. Applicants typically need SSNs, income estimates, and employer coverage details.

1-800-318-2596 · Online resource · Online 24/7; phone 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Mountain Park Health Center (Phoenix) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center with multiple locations across the Phoenix metro providing comprehensive primary care, dental care, behavioral health, pediatrics, prenatal and OB care, and on-site pharmacy services on a sliding fee scale based on income. Accepts AHCCCS, Medicare, most commercial insurance, and the uninsured. Bilingual Spanish-language care. Bring photo ID, insurance or AHCCCS card, proof of income for sliding-fee qualification, and medication list to appointments.

602-243-7277 · Multiple Phoenix metro locations · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; some evening/Saturday hours · Visit Website

4. El Rio Health Center (Tucson) — Paid

One of Arizona's largest Federally Qualified Health Centers serving Tucson and Pima County from multiple neighborhood locations. Provides comprehensive primary care, dental, behavioral health, pediatrics, prenatal and OB care, HIV services, and on-site pharmacy on a sliding fee scale. Accepts AHCCCS, Medicare, commercial insurance, and the uninsured. Bilingual Spanish-language care throughout. Bring photo ID, insurance card, proof of income for sliding-fee, and medication list.

520-670-3909 · Multiple Tucson locations · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; some Saturday hours · Visit Website

5. Neighborhood Outreach Access to Health (NOAH) - Scottsdale — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center serving the northeast Phoenix metro with affordable primary care, dental, behavioral health, prenatal and pediatric care, nutrition counseling, and pharmacy at multiple locations across Scottsdale, north Phoenix, and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Accepts AHCCCS, Medicare, commercial insurance, and the uninsured on a sliding fee scale. Bring photo ID, insurance or AHCCCS card, proof of income for sliding-fee qualification, and medication list.

480-882-4545 · Multiple locations in Scottsdale/Phoenix · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Maricopa County Special Health Care District — Paid

Public healthcare system (Valleywise Health) operating Valleywise Health Medical Center, behavioral health facilities, and community health centers serving uninsured, underinsured, and AHCCCS patients across Maricopa County. Provides primary care, emergency care, inpatient services, burn center, and behavioral health. Accepts AHCCCS, Medicare, and commercial insurance, and offers financial assistance for qualifying uninsured patients. Bring photo ID, insurance card, and medication list.

602-344-5011 · 2601 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ 85008 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. KidsCare (Arizona CHIP) — Free

Arizona's Children's Health Insurance Program providing low-cost comprehensive health coverage for uninsured children through age 18 in families earning too much to qualify for AHCCCS but struggling to afford private insurance. Covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, dental, vision, and behavioral health. Apply online at healthearizonaplus.gov. Applicants need photo ID, SSNs for each child, proof of income, and proof of Arizona residency. Monthly premiums are income-based.

602-417-4000 · Apply via Health-e-Arizona Plus · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Arizona Association of Community Health Centers — Paid

Statewide membership association representing Arizona's 22 Federally Qualified Health Centers operating more than 180 community health sites across urban and rural Arizona. Members provide comprehensive primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services regardless of insurance or ability to pay. Does not treat patients directly; use the online directory to find your nearest FQHC by ZIP code. Each health center has its own sliding-fee scale and accepts AHCCCS and most insurance plans.

602-253-0090 · Find a health center by zip code on website · Varies by location · Visit Website

9. Marana Health Center (Tucson/Marana) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center (MHC Healthcare) serving northwest Tucson, the Town of Marana, and surrounding Pima County communities with primary care, dental, behavioral health, pediatrics, prenatal, and on-site pharmacy services at multiple neighborhood sites on a sliding fee scale. Accepts AHCCCS, Medicare, commercial insurance, and the uninsured. Bring photo ID, insurance card, proof of income for sliding-fee qualification, and medication list to appointments.

520-682-4111 · 13395 N Marana Main St, Marana, AZ 85653 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Wesley Community & Health Centers (Phoenix) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center providing affordable primary care, dental, behavioral health, prenatal and OB/GYN, and pediatric services at multiple locations across south Phoenix. Accepts AHCCCS, Medicare, commercial insurance, and the uninsured on a sliding-fee scale based on income. Bilingual Spanish-language services throughout. Bring photo ID, insurance or AHCCCS card, proof of income for sliding-fee, and medication list. Walk-in and scheduled appointments available.

602-388-3808 · 1300 S 10th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Canyonlands Community Health Center (Flagstaff) — Paid

Northern Arizona FQHC providing primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services for Flagstaff, Page, Tuba City, Fredonia, and surrounding rural communities across Coconino and northern Navajo counties. Includes specialized services for Native American patients through Indian Health Service partnerships. Accepts AHCCCS, Medicare, commercial insurance, and the uninsured on a sliding-fee scale. Bring photo ID, insurance or tribal ID, and medication list to appointments.

928-645-9675 · 901 N Beaver St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

12. Horizon Health and Wellness (Casa Grande) — Paid

FQHC serving Pinal County and surrounding communities with affordable primary care, dental, behavioral health, substance abuse treatment, and pharmacy services at multiple locations in Casa Grande, Apache Junction, Globe, Coolidge, and Florence. Accepts AHCCCS, Medicare, commercial insurance, and the uninsured on a sliding-fee scale based on income. Bring photo ID, insurance or AHCCCS card, proof of income for sliding-fee qualification, and medication list to appointments.

480-257-5055 · 210 E Cottonwood Ln, Casa Grande, AZ 85122 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Sunset Community Health Center (Yuma) — Paid

FQHC serving Yuma County with comprehensive primary care, dental, behavioral health, prenatal and pediatric care, and on-site pharmacy services on a sliding fee schedule based on household income. Locations throughout Yuma, Somerton, San Luis, and Wellton. Bilingual Spanish-language care throughout. Accepts AHCCCS, Medicare, commercial insurance, and the uninsured. Bring photo ID, insurance or AHCCCS card, proof of income for sliding-fee qualification, and medication list.

928-819-8999 · 2600 W 16th St, Yuma, AZ 85364 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

14. Chiricahua Community Health Centers (Douglas) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center serving Cochise County with primary care, dental, behavioral health, prenatal and pediatric care, and pharmacy services at locations in Douglas, Sierra Vista, Elfrida, Benson, and Bisbee. Bilingual Spanish-language care throughout. Accepts AHCCCS, Medicare, commercial insurance, and the uninsured on a sliding-fee scale based on income. Bring photo ID, insurance or AHCCCS card, proof of income for sliding-fee qualification, and medication list to appointments.

520-364-3285 · 1502 N Gonzales Blvd, Douglas, AZ 85607 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

15. Circle the City Healthcare (Phoenix) — Free

Phoenix-based FQHC specifically serving individuals experiencing homelessness. Provides primary medical care, behavioral health, substance use treatment, dental, and medical respite care at fixed clinics, shelters, and through a mobile medical van. Services are provided regardless of ability to pay, insurance status, or documentation. Bring photo ID if available; services are also provided to individuals without ID. Accepts AHCCCS and all homeless-specific funding streams.

602-776-9000 · 35 S 9th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

16. Arizona Family Health Partnership — Paid

Statewide nonprofit administering Title X federal family planning funds across Arizona to connect uninsured and underinsured residents to confidential family planning, birth control counseling and supplies, pregnancy testing, STI screening and treatment, cancer screenings, and preventive reproductive health care at a network of affiliated clinics. Sliding-fee scale for uninsured clients. Bring photo ID and proof of income when available; clinics serve regardless of status.

602-258-5777 · Find a provider by ZIP code on website · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

17. Adelante Healthcare (Surprise/West Valley) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center serving the West Valley and surrounding Maricopa County with affordable primary care, dental, behavioral health, vision, prenatal, and pediatric services at multiple locations in Surprise, Goodyear, Avondale, Buckeye, Phoenix, and Mesa. Bilingual Spanish-language care throughout. Accepts AHCCCS, Medicare, commercial insurance, and the uninsured on a sliding-fee scale based on income. Bring photo ID, insurance or AHCCCS card, proof of income, and medication list.

623-583-3014 · 13840 W Camino del Sol, Surprise, AZ 85374 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; some Saturday hours · 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.