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 Arkansas

11 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 Arkansas

Arkansas circuit courts hear family law matters in all 75 counties, with the Office of Child Support Enforcement under the Department of Finance and Administration. Little Rock, Fort Smith, and Fayetteville are the largest metros. Legal Aid of Arkansas and the Center for Arkansas Legal Services provide free civil representation to eligible fathers statewide.

11 Resources

1. ARKids First – Children's Health Insurance — Free

State program providing free or low-cost health coverage for Arkansas children in families who earn too much for regular Medicaid but need affordable insurance. Fathers with custody can apply online or by phone and enroll at any DHS county office. Bring photo ID, Social Security numbers for everyone in the household, proof of income, Arkansas residency documentation, and birth certificates for each child.

888-474-8275 · 700 Main St, Little Rock, AR 72201 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Arkansas Medicaid — Free

State-run health coverage program providing free or low-cost care to eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. Fathers can apply online, by phone, or at any DHS county office. Bring photo ID, Social Security numbers for every household member, proof of income, Arkansas residency documentation, and any medical paperwork for ongoing conditions or disabilities.

800-482-8988 · 700 Main St, Little Rock, AR 72201 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Healthcare.gov – Arkansas Marketplace — Free

Federal health insurance marketplace where Arkansas residents can compare and enroll in qualified health plans, often with premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions. Fathers can apply online 24/7 or call the federal line for help. Have Social Security numbers for every person on the application, employer and income information, current policy numbers if renewing, and immigration documents if applicable.

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

4. East Arkansas Family Health Center — Paid

Federally qualified health center serving Crittenden, Phillips, Lee, and surrounding counties with primary care, pediatrics, dental, and behavioral health on a sliding-fee scale. Fathers in eastern Arkansas can call the Church Street clinic in West Memphis to schedule an intake. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, insurance or Medicaid card, proof of income, and any current medication and immunization records.

870-735-6906 · 310 Church St, West Memphis, AR 72301 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Boston Mountain Rural Health Center — Paid

Community health network providing affordable primary care, pediatrics, women's health, and behavioral health services across the Ozark region of Arkansas. Fathers can call the Township Street clinic in Fayetteville to schedule an intake on a sliding-fee scale. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, insurance or Medicaid card, proof of income, and a list of current medications along with recent medical records.

479-521-8241 · 169 W Township St, Fayetteville, AR 72703 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

6. Lee County Cooperative Clinic — Paid

Federally qualified health center serving the Delta region with primary care, dental, behavioral health, and women's services on a sliding-fee scale. Fathers in Lee County and surrounding areas can call the Clinic Road office in Marianna to schedule intake. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, insurance or Medicaid card, proof of income, and any current medication and immunization records for every household member.

870-295-3100 · 36 Clinic Rd, Marianna, AR 72360 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Arkansas Department of Health — Free

State public health agency providing immunizations, WIC, maternal and child health services, and disease prevention programs through local health units statewide. Fathers can call or visit the Markham Street office in Little Rock for county-level contacts and program details. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, insurance or Medicaid card, and immunization records when using local health unit services for a child or family.

501-661-2000 · 4815 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72205 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Community Health Centers of Arkansas — Paid

Statewide association of federally qualified health centers providing primary care, dental, behavioral health, and women's services on sliding-fee scales. Fathers can call the Little Rock association office or use the online directory to find the nearest center. Each clinic asks for photo ID, Social Security card, insurance or Medicaid card, proof of income for sliding-fee pricing, and current medication and health records.

501-374-8225 · 700 S University Ave, Little Rock, AR 72205 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Arkansas Children's NW – Springdale — Paid

Pediatric hospital serving northwest Arkansas families with inpatient, outpatient, and specialty pediatric care including emergency services and surgical programs. Fathers can call the Gene George Boulevard campus or visit during 24/7 emergency hours when a child needs urgent care. Bring photo ID, the child's insurance or Medicaid card, birth certificate if available, and current medication and immunization records.

479-725-6800 · 2601 Gene George Blvd, Springdale, AR 72762 · 24/7 · Visit Website

10. Jefferson Comprehensive Care System – Pine Bluff — Paid

Federally qualified health center in Pine Bluff offering primary care, pediatrics, dental, behavioral health, and women's services on a sliding-fee scale across southeast Arkansas. Fathers can call the 6th Avenue clinic to schedule an intake for themselves or their children. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, insurance or Medicaid card, proof of income, and any current medication and immunization records.

870-541-8900 · 1101 E 6th Ave, Pine Bluff, AR 71601 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

11. Mainline Health Systems – Eastern AR — Paid

Federally qualified health center network serving the Arkansas Delta with primary care, dental, behavioral health, and women's services on sliding-fee pricing. Fathers can call the Cherry Street clinic in Helena to schedule intake and find the nearest Mainline location. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, insurance or Medicaid card, proof of income, and any current medication and immunization records.

870-338-6900 · 518 Cherry St, Helena, AR 72342 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

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.