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 Delaware

9 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 Delaware

Delaware Family Court handles custody, visitation, and child support statewide through three county courthouses (New Castle, Kent, Sussex). The Division of Child Support Services operates under DSS. Delaware's small size means one consistent state system. Community Legal Aid Society (CLASI) and Legal Services Corporation of Delaware offer free legal representation.

9 Resources

1. Delaware Medicaid (DMAP) — Free

State Medicaid program providing health coverage for low-income Delaware families and individuals, administered through DHSS on North DuPont Highway in New Castle. Fathers can apply online, by phone, or in person during weekday hours. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for each household member, recent pay stubs or benefits letters, birth certificates for children, and current rent or mortgage paperwork to the interview.

(800) 372-2022 · 1901 N DuPont Hwy, New Castle, DE 19720 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Westside Family Healthcare — Paid

Federally qualified health center providing primary care, dental, and behavioral health services at the West 4th Street office in Wilmington, with fees on a sliding scale for qualifying patients. Fathers and their children can schedule appointments during weekday business hours. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid cards if available, proof of income for sliding-scale pricing, and a list of current medications to the first visit.

(302) 655-5822 · 1802 W 4th St, Wilmington, DE 19805 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Henrietta Johnson Medical Center — Paid

Community health center offering affordable primary care, pediatrics, and preventive services on New Castle Avenue in Wilmington. Accepts most insurance plans and offers sliding-scale fees for uninsured patients. Fathers can schedule appointments during weekday hours. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid cards if available, proof of income for sliding-scale pricing, and a list of current medications to the first appointment.

(302) 655-6187 · 601 New Castle Ave, Wilmington, DE 19801 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. La Red Health Center — Paid

Bilingual community health center serving underserved Sussex County communities in English and Spanish from the Carmean Way location in Georgetown. Services include primary care, dental, and behavioral health, with sliding-scale fees for uninsured patients. Fathers can call during weekday hours to schedule appointments. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid cards, proof of income for sliding-scale pricing, and a medication list.

(302) 855-1233 · 21444 Carmean Way, Georgetown, DE 19947 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Delaware Health Care Marketplace — Free

Affordable Care Act federal marketplace for Delaware residents to compare and enroll in private health insurance plans, with most applicants qualifying for premium subsidies based on income. Fathers can apply online any hour or call the national marketplace line for help. Have household income estimates, Social Security numbers, and employer coverage information ready to complete the application during open enrollment or special enrollment windows.

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

6. Bayhealth Medical Center — Dover — Paid

Full-service hospital and outpatient clinic network serving Kent and Sussex County residents with 24/7 emergency care from the main campus on South State Street in Dover. Services include primary care, surgery, cardiology, and obstetrics. Fathers can schedule outpatient appointments during weekday hours. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid cards, a list of current medications, and prior medical records to the first visit.

(302) 674-4700 · 640 S State St, Dover, DE 19901 · 24/7 ER; clinics Mon-Fri · Visit Website

7. Nanticoke Health Services — Seaford — Paid

Hospital and outpatient services for residents of lower Delaware and nearby Maryland, now part of TidalHealth, from the Middleford Road campus in Seaford. Services include 24/7 emergency care, primary care, surgery, and women's health. Fathers can schedule outpatient visits during weekday hours. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid cards, a list of current medications, and any prior medical records to the first visit.

(302) 629-6611 · 801 Middleford Rd, Seaford, DE 19973 · 24/7 ER; clinics Mon-Fri · Visit Website

8. Community Health Center of Greater Dagsboro — Paid

Federally qualified health center serving Sussex County with affordable primary care, preventive services, and referrals from the Seaford Road office in Dagsboro. Sliding-scale fees are available for uninsured patients based on household income. Fathers can schedule appointments by phone during weekday business hours. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid cards if available, proof of income, and a list of current medications to the first visit.

(302) 732-3337 · 29728 Seaford Rd, Dagsboro, DE 19939 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

9. Delaware School-Based Health Centers — Free

On-site healthcare at participating Delaware schools providing physical and mental health services to enrolled students during school hours, coordinated through the Division of Public Health. Services may include physicals, immunizations, acute care, and counseling. Fathers must provide signed parental consent forms before children can be seen. Check your child's school website or call the district for current school-based health center details.

(302) 744-4700 · Multiple school sites statewide · During school 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.