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 Colorado

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 Colorado

Colorado uses 'allocation of parental responsibilities' instead of 'custody' and handles cases in district courts. The Child Support Services division runs enforcement statewide. Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins anchor the major metros. Colorado Legal Services (the statewide LSC program), Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network, and numerous county self-help centers support fathers statewide.

17 Resources

1. Health First Colorado (Medicaid) — Free

Colorado's Medicaid program providing health coverage including doctor visits, hospital care, mental health, and prescriptions to low-income individuals, families, children, and pregnant women. Serves income-eligible Coloradans statewide. Apply online at Colorado PEAK or at your county human services office; bring a photo ID, Social Security numbers for household members, proof of income, and proof of Colorado residency such as a utility bill or lease to complete the application.

1-800-221-3943 · 1570 Grant St, Denver, CO 80203 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Connect for Health Colorado (ACA Marketplace) — Free

Colorado's state-based health insurance marketplace where residents compare and enroll in ACA plans, often with tax credits and cost-sharing reductions to lower premiums. Serves Coloradans during open enrollment and special enrollment periods. Apply online or with a certified broker or assister; have ready photo ID, Social Security numbers for household members, most recent tax return, and estimated income for the coverage year.

1-855-752-6749 · Online resource · Online 24/7; phone Mon-Fri 8am-6pm · Visit Website

3. Denver Health Community Health Services — Paid

Denver's safety-net health system with nine community health centers providing primary care, dental, behavioral health, and specialty services regardless of insurance. Serves Denver residents on a sliding fee scale known as Denver Health Financial Assistance. Call to schedule; bring a photo ID, proof of Denver residency such as a lease or utility bill, proof of income such as pay stubs or benefit letters, and insurance cards if you have them.

303-436-6000 · Multiple Denver locations · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; some Saturday · Visit Website

4. Peak Vista Community Health Centers (Colorado Springs) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center serving El Paso and Teller counties with primary care, dental, pharmacy, and behavioral health services at 25 locations. Serves patients regardless of insurance on a sliding fee scale; Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance accepted. Call to schedule; bring a photo ID, proof of income, proof of Colorado residency, and insurance cards if you have them to your first appointment with a primary care provider.

719-632-5700 · Multiple Colorado Springs locations · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Sunrise Community Health (Greeley/Northern CO) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center serving northern Colorado with primary care, dental, pharmacy, and behavioral health services on a sliding fee scale. Serves Weld and Larimer county residents regardless of insurance; Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance accepted. Call to schedule an appointment; bring a photo ID, proof of income such as pay stubs or benefit letters, proof of address, and any insurance cards you have to your first appointment.

970-350-4600 · 2930 11th Ave, Evans, CO 80620 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Salud Family Health (Northern/Western CO) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center network serving northern and western Colorado with primary care, dental, and behavioral health at 13 locations, many bilingual and serving migrant and seasonal farm worker populations. Fees follow a sliding scale; Medicaid and private insurance accepted. Call to schedule; bring a photo ID, proof of income, proof of Colorado address, and insurance cards if available to your first appointment with a provider.

970-484-0999 · Multiple northern CO locations · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. CHP+ (Child Health Plan Plus) — Free

Low-cost health and dental coverage for uninsured children and pregnant women in Colorado families whose income is too high for Medicaid but still within program limits. Serves income-eligible Coloradans statewide. Apply online at Colorado PEAK or at your county human services office; bring a photo ID, Social Security numbers for household members, proof of income such as pay stubs, and proof of Colorado residency to the application.

1-800-221-3943 · Apply via Colorado PEAK · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Colorado Community Health Network — Paid

Statewide association representing Colorado's 20 Federally Qualified Health Centers operating more than 200 sites across the state, providing affordable primary, dental, and behavioral healthcare regardless of insurance. Serves residents statewide through member health centers. Use the website's zip code locator to find a local FQHC; at your visit bring a photo ID, proof of income, proof of Colorado address, and any insurance cards.

303-861-5165 · Find a health center by zip code · Varies by location · Visit Website

9. Colorado PEAK (Benefits Portal) — Free

Colorado's online benefits portal for applying to Health First Colorado, CHP+, SNAP, TANF, childcare assistance, and other programs in one application. Serves Coloradans statewide at no cost, available 24/7 online. Create an account with an email address; have ready a photo ID, Social Security numbers for each household member, recent pay stubs, rent or mortgage documents, and utility bills before starting the application to speed completion.

1-800-536-5298 · Online resource · Online 24/7

10. Clinica Family Health (Boulder/Broomfield) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center serving Boulder, Broomfield, and Adams counties with primary care, dental, and behavioral health services on a sliding fee scale. Serves patients regardless of insurance; Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance accepted. Call to schedule an appointment; bring a photo ID, proof of income, proof of Colorado address, and any insurance cards you have to your first appointment with a primary care provider.

303-650-4460 · 1735 S Public Rd, Lafayette, CO 80026 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Marillac Health (Grand Junction) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center serving Grand Junction and the Western Slope with primary care, dental, pharmacy, and behavioral health services for uninsured and underinsured residents. Serves patients on a sliding fee scale; Medicaid and private insurance accepted. Call to schedule; bring a photo ID, proof of income, proof of Mesa County address, and any insurance cards you have to your first appointment with a primary care provider.

970-298-1782 · 2333 N 6th St, Grand Junction, CO 81501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Inner City Health Center (Denver) — Paid

Denver Federally Qualified Health Center providing primary care, dental, and behavioral health services to underserved communities regardless of insurance at a north Denver location. Fees follow a sliding scale; Medicaid and private insurance accepted. Call to schedule; bring a photo ID, proof of income such as pay stubs or benefit letters, proof of Denver-area address, and any insurance cards you have to your first appointment with a provider.

303-296-1767 · 3800 York St, Denver, CO 80205 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Pueblo Community Health Center — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center serving Pueblo and southern Colorado with primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services on a sliding fee scale. Serves patients regardless of insurance; Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance accepted. Call to schedule an appointment; bring a photo ID, proof of income, proof of Pueblo-area address, and any insurance cards you have to your first appointment with a primary care provider.

719-543-8711 · 801 N Greenwood St, Pueblo, CO 81003 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Stride Community Health Center (Aurora/Wheat Ridge) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center serving the Denver metro with primary care, dental, and pharmacy services at multiple locations on a sliding fee scale. Serves patients regardless of insurance; Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance accepted. Call to schedule; bring a photo ID, proof of income, proof of Colorado address, and any insurance cards you have to your first appointment with a primary care provider or dental clinician.

303-360-6276 · 10265 E 25th Ave, Aurora, CO 80010 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

15. Children's Hospital Colorado — Paid

Nationally ranked pediatric hospital providing comprehensive specialty and primary care for infants through young adults, including trauma, cancer, and behavioral health services. Serves children statewide and regionally; Medicaid, CHP+, and private insurance accepted, with financial assistance available. Call to schedule; bring a photo ID, insurance cards, the child's birth certificate, immunization records, and any prior medical records to the first appointment.

720-777-1234 · 13123 E 16th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045 · 24/7 emergency; clinics Mon-Fri · Visit Website

16. Dental Aid (Boulder County) — Paid

Nonprofit dental clinic providing affordable dental care on a sliding fee scale for uninsured and underinsured Boulder County residents, including children, adults, and seniors. Serves income-eligible patients; Medicaid dental accepted for eligible members. Call to schedule an appointment; bring a photo ID, proof of income such as pay stubs or benefit letters, proof of Boulder County address, and any insurance cards you have to your first dental visit.

303-245-8200 · 1043 Coffman St, Longmont, CO 80501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

17. Colorado Crisis Services - Mental Health Walk-In — Free

Walk-in crisis centers across Colorado providing immediate mental health and substance use crisis stabilization, available 24 hours a day every day of the year. Serves anyone experiencing a behavioral health crisis at no cost. Walk in to any Colorado crisis walk-in center or call the crisis line first; bring a photo ID if available along with a list of current medications, but no identification or insurance is required to receive crisis services.

1-844-493-8255 · Walk-in centers statewide · 24/7 · 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.