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 Florida

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 Florida

Florida handles family law in circuit courts across its 20 judicial circuits. The Department of Revenue Child Support Program oversees enforcement statewide. Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Fort Lauderdale are the largest metros. Florida has an active self-help court system, free online parenting courses, and Bay Area Legal Services, Three Rivers Legal Services, and other LSC programs providing representation.

11 Resources

1. Florida Medicaid — MyACCESS Portal — Free

Apply online for Florida Medicaid through the state's MyACCESS self-service portal at myaccess.myflfamilies.com. Covers low-income adults, children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Applications take about 30 minutes and are processed within 30 days. Call (850) 300-4323 Mon-Fri 8 AM to 5 PM for help. Fathers with qualifying income and dependent children may be eligible. Accepted at most Florida healthcare providers.

(850) 300-4323 · Online statewide · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (phone); portal 24/7 · Visit Website

2. Florida KidCare — Children's Health Insurance — Paid

Low-cost comprehensive health insurance for uninsured children birth through age 18 in Florida. Many families pay as little as

5 to 0 per month for all qualifying children. Enrollment is open year-round with no waiting periods. Covers doctor visits, hospital care, dental, vision, and prescriptions. Call 1-888-540-5437 Mon-Fri 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM or visit floridakidcare.org to apply. Fathers with custody or shared custody can apply on their child's behalf.

1-888-540-5437 · Online statewide · Mon-Fri 7:30am-7:30pm ET · Visit Website

3. HealthCare.gov — ACA Marketplace for Florida — Paid

Fathers without employer coverage can shop for ACA-compliant health insurance plans on the HealthCare.gov marketplace. Subsidies and tax credits are available based on household income, significantly reducing monthly premiums. Local certified navigators and enrollment counselors in Florida can help you enroll for free. Call 1-800-318-2596 Mon-Sun 8 AM to 8 PM ET or visit healthcare.gov anytime. Open enrollment runs annually; Special Enrollment available for qualifying life events.

1-800-318-2596 · Online — serves all 67 Florida counties · 24/7 online; phone Mon-Sun 8am-8pm ET · Visit Website

4. Find a Health Center — HRSA (FQHCs) — Paid

Federal locator for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) anywhere in Florida. FQHCs provide primary care, dental, mental health, and pharmacy services on a sliding-fee scale — no one is turned away for inability to pay. Search by ZIP code at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov. Call 1-877-464-4772 for help. Over 200 FQHC sites operate throughout Florida serving uninsured and underinsured patients with affordable, comprehensive care.

1-877-464-4772 · Statewide — search by ZIP code · Varies by location · Visit Website

5. Florida Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (FAFCC) — Free

Over 100 free and charitable clinics across Florida serving uninsured and underserved residents. The member directory at fafcc.org helps you find nearby clinics offering free medical, dental, mental health, and prescription services. PO Box 352658, Palm Coast, FL. Call (904) 404-2350 for information. Clinic hours vary by location. A valuable resource for fathers who are uninsured or underinsured and need healthcare in Florida at no cost.

(904) 404-2350 · PO Box 352658, Palm Coast, FL 32135 · Varies by clinic · Visit Website

6. Shepherd's Hope — Free Clinic (Central Florida) — Free

Free primary medical care to uninsured individuals and families at multiple Orlando metro locations through Shepherd's Hope. Services include general medicine, specialty referrals, lab work, and medications at no cost. Evening clinic hours available Mon-Wed 6 PM to 9 PM at the downtown location. Main office at 101 S Westmoreland Dr, Orlando. Call (407) 876-6699 or visit shepherdshope.org for clinic locations, schedules, and eligibility information.

(407) 876-6699 · 101 S Westmoreland Dr, Orlando, FL 32805 · Mon-Wed 6pm-9pm (Downtown); varies by location · Visit Website

7. Florida Mission of Mercy (FLA-MOM) — Free Dental Care — Free

Florida Dental Association Foundation's flagship program and one of the largest free dental clinics in the country. Annual 2-day events rotating across Florida cities provide extractions, fillings, cleanings, x-rays, and more at no cost to patients. No insurance or ID required. Call (850) 681-3629 or visit floridadental.org/foundation/programs/mission-of-mercy to check this year's event location and dates. Events regularly serve thousands of patients.

(850) 681-3629 · Annual event — check website for location · Annual 2-day event · Visit Website

8. Planned Parenthood of Florida — Men's Health — Paid

16 health centers across Florida offering men's health services including STI testing and treatment, HIV testing, and general sexual health care for all men. Services available in person and via telehealth statewide, with fees based on income. Call 1-800-230-7526 or visit plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-florida for the nearest location and hours. Telehealth appointments available for eligible patients. Sliding-scale fees ensure care is accessible regardless of insurance status.

1-800-230-7526 · 16 locations statewide · Varies by location; telehealth available · Visit Website

9. Florida Poison Control Centers — Free

Three regional poison control centers in Jacksonville, Miami, and Tampa staffed 24/7 by physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and toxicologists. Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you or your child may have been exposed to any toxic substance including medications, household chemicals, plants, or insects. Free, confidential advice 24/7/365 for all 67 Florida counties. Visit floridapoisoncontrol.org for additional resources and prevention information.

1-800-222-1222 · Statewide — all 67 counties · 24/7/365 · Visit Website

10. NeedyMeds — Prescription Assistance Programs — Free

Comprehensive database of pharmaceutical Patient Assistance Programs helping uninsured and underinsured individuals access free or low-cost medications. Free drug discount card available at needymeds.org can save up to 80% at participating pharmacies. Over 400 assistance programs listed with eligibility details. Call 1-800-503-6897 Mon-Fri 9 AM to 5 PM or visit needymeds.org 24/7 to search by medication name and apply for free prescriptions.

1-800-503-6897 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm (phone); website 24/7 · Visit Website

11. RxAssist — Patient Assistance Program Directory — Free

Free database of pharmaceutical company patient assistance programs that supply brand-name medications at no cost to qualifying patients. Search by medication name to find the manufacturer's program and apply directly for free prescriptions. Available 24/7 at rxassist.org. Call 1-800-808-1213 for help. A useful resource for fathers and families who cannot afford brand-name medications and do not qualify for Medicaid. No registration required to search the database.

1-800-808-1213 · Website 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.