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 Georgia

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 Georgia

Georgia superior courts hear divorce and custody in each of its 159 counties. The Division of Child Support Services under DHS handles enforcement. Atlanta anchors the state; Savannah, Augusta, Columbus, and Athens round out major metros. Atlanta Legal Aid and Georgia Legal Services Program are the two primary civil legal aid organizations, with specific fathers' rights and child support help available.

17 Resources

1. Georgia Medicaid / PeachCare for Kids — Free

Apply for free or low-cost Medicaid health coverage for eligible adults, children, and families in Georgia. Apply online at Georgia Gateway or call DFCS at 1-877-423-4746. Income and eligibility criteria apply. PeachCare covers children in families with incomes above Medicaid limits but still unable to afford private insurance. Bring proof of income, residency, and Social Security numbers for all household members when applying.

1-877-423-4746 · Statewide – apply online or at county DFCS · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm; online 24/7 · Visit Website

2. Healthcare.gov – Georgia Marketplace Plans — Paid

Enroll in ACA Marketplace health insurance plans for individuals and families in Georgia. Financial assistance in the form of premium tax credits is available for low and moderate income Georgians. Open enrollment runs November 1–January 15; special enrollment periods apply for qualifying life events. Call 1-800-318-2596 24/7 or visit healthcare.gov to compare plans and apply. Phone counselors and local assisters can guide you through the process at no charge.

1-800-318-2596 · Online statewide resource · 24/7 online; phone Mon–Fri 8am–8pm · Visit Website

3. Grady Memorial Hospital — Paid

Atlanta's safety-net hospital and Level 1 trauma center. Accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and sliding-scale fees for uninsured patients. Home to Georgia's only poison control center. Located at 80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE in downtown Atlanta, accessible via MARTA. The emergency department is open 24/7. Specialty clinics and outpatient services also available. Call 404-616-1000 for general information. Financial counselors on-site help patients navigate coverage and assistance options.

404-616-1000 · 80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30303 · 24/7 emergency; clinic hours vary · Visit Website

4. Good Samaritan Health Center (Atlanta) — Free

Free and low-cost primary care for uninsured adults in Atlanta. Sliding scale fees are based on income, making care accessible regardless of insurance status. Provides medical and dental services. Located at 1015 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW in Atlanta. Open Mon–Thu 7:45am–4pm and Fri–Sat 7:45am–Noon. Call 404-523-6571 for an appointment. Bring photo ID and proof of income to receive the correct sliding scale rate.

404-523-6571 · 1015 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 · Mon–Thu 7:45am–4pm, Fri–Sat 7:45am–Noon · Visit Website

5. Georgia FQHC Finder (Health Center Finder) — Paid

Find Federally Qualified Health Centers across Georgia offering primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services on a sliding fee scale regardless of insurance status. Search by zip code at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov or call 1-877-464-4772. FQHCs accept Medicaid, Medicare, and uninsured patients. Fees are adjusted based on income. Georgia has FQHCs in urban and rural communities across all regions of the state.

1-877-464-4772 · Statewide – search by zip code · Varies by clinic · Visit Website

6. Georgia Poison Center (Grady Health) — Free

Georgia's only poison control center, operated by Grady Health. Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately for any ingestion, overdose, medication error, or chemical exposure emergency. Available 24/7, 365 days a year. Trained toxicologists and nurses answer calls and provide immediate guidance. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 first. All calls are free and confidential. Located at Grady Memorial Hospital, 80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE in Atlanta.

1-800-222-1222 · c/o Grady Health, 80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30303 · 24/7

7. NeedyMeds – Georgia — Free

Free online database of pharmaceutical patient assistance programs, free and sliding-scale clinics, and drug discount programs available to Georgia residents. Search by medication name, diagnosis, or location. Many programs provide brand-name drugs at no cost to qualifying uninsured patients. Visit needymeds.org or call 1-800-503-6897. Ideal for fathers and families who need prescription medications but cannot afford out-of-pocket costs or lack insurance coverage.

1-800-503-6897 · Online statewide resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

8. Georgia Department of Public Health – County Health Departments — Free

Low-cost and free public health services including immunizations, STI testing, family planning, and preventive care at county health departments across all 159 Georgia counties. Income-based fees apply for some services. Find your county health department at dph.georgia.gov. Call 404-657-2700 Mon–Fri 8am–5pm for general information. Bring photo ID and proof of income or insurance for fee-adjusted services. No one is turned away due to inability to pay.

404-657-2700 · Statewide county health departments · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Visit Website

9. Mercy Care (Atlanta) — Free

Free and low-cost primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services for uninsured and underserved Atlantans. Mercy Care serves patients regardless of ability to pay, with fees adjusted based on income for those who are not fully uninsured. Multiple Atlanta locations. Call 678-843-8600 Mon–Fri 8am–5pm for appointment scheduling and location information. Bring photo ID and proof of income or residency to your first appointment.

678-843-8600 · Multiple Atlanta locations · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Visit Website

10. East Georgia Healthcare Center (Swainsboro) — Paid

Federally qualified health center serving rural east Georgia with primary care, dental, and behavioral health services on a sliding fee scale. Located at 400 S Main St in Swainsboro, serving Emanuel County and surrounding rural communities. Accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and uninsured patients with income-adjusted fees. Call 478-289-2557 Mon–Fri 8am–5pm for an appointment. No one is turned away due to inability to pay. Visit eghc.org for additional locations.

478-289-2557 · 400 S Main St, Swainsboro, GA 30401 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Visit Website

11. CareSource Georgia (Medicaid managed care) — Free

Medicaid managed care plan serving Georgia members with access to primary care, specialists, pharmacy, dental, and behavioral health services. CareSource members receive a member ID card to use at in-network providers. For questions about covered services, finding a doctor, or care coordination, call 1-855-202-1058 Mon–Fri 8am–7pm. Visit caresource.com/ga for the provider directory and member portal. Transportation to medical appointments may be available through the plan.

1-855-202-1058 · Statewide provider network · Mon–Fri 8am–7pm · Visit Website

12. Augusta University Medical Center — Paid

Academic medical center in Augusta providing specialized care, Level 1 trauma services, and a children's hospital for the CSRA region. Accepts Medicaid and offers financial assistance programs for qualifying patients. Located at 1120 15th St in Augusta. Emergency services available 24/7. Call 706-721-0211 for appointments and general information. As a teaching hospital, Augusta University Medical Center provides access to specialized care not available in many smaller Georgia communities.

706-721-0211 · 1120 15th St, Augusta, GA 30912 · 24/7 emergency · Visit Website

13. Memorial Health – Savannah — Paid

Major hospital and health system in Savannah providing emergency, trauma, and specialty care for coastal Georgia. Accepts Medicaid and offers financial assistance programs for uninsured and underinsured patients. Level 2 trauma center. Located at 4700 Waters Ave in Savannah. Emergency services available 24/7. Call 912-350-8000 for appointments and general information. Visit memorialhealth.com for the physician directory and patient financial assistance application.

912-350-8000 · 4700 Waters Ave, Savannah, GA 31404 · 24/7 emergency · Visit Website

14. PeachCare for Kids — Paid

Low-cost health insurance for uninsured Georgia children under 19 whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid. Monthly premiums are affordable and coverage includes doctor visits, hospitalization, prescriptions, dental, and vision. Apply at Georgia Gateway at gateway.ga.gov or call 1-877-427-3224 Mon–Fri 8am–5pm. Bring proof of income, child's Social Security number, and residency documentation. Income limits based on household size and family income.

1-877-427-3224 · Statewide · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm; online 24/7 · Visit Website

15. Planned Parenthood Southeast – Georgia — Paid

Reproductive health services including STI testing, contraception counseling, and wellness exams at Georgia locations. Sliding fee scale based on income makes care accessible regardless of insurance status. Services are available at multiple Georgia clinics. Call 1-800-230-7526 or visit plannedparenthood.org/health-center/georgia to find the nearest location and schedule an appointment. Hours vary by location. Fathers seeking STI testing or sexual health services are welcome.

1-800-230-7526 · Multiple Georgia locations · Varies by location · Visit Website

16. RxAssist – Patient Assistance Programs — Free

Free online database of pharmaceutical patient assistance programs to help uninsured and underinsured Georgians afford prescription medications. Search by drug name to find manufacturer programs that may provide free or low-cost medications. Also lists free clinics and drug discount cards. Visit rxassist.org at no cost. Ideal for fathers who need chronic disease medications like blood pressure, diabetes, or cholesterol drugs but cannot afford retail prices.

Online resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

17. Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) — Paid

Georgia's largest pediatric healthcare system with three hospitals and dozens of specialty care locations across metro Atlanta. Provides emergency, specialty, surgical, and primary care for children from birth through adolescence. Accepts most insurance plans including Medicaid. The main Scottish Rite campus is at 1001 Johnson Ferry Rd NE in Atlanta. Call 404-785-5437 or visit choa.org. 24/7 emergency care available. Financial assistance programs available for qualifying families.

404-785-5437 · 1001 Johnson Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30342 · 24/7 emergency · 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.