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 Iowa

15 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 Iowa

Iowa district courts hear family cases in all 99 counties, with the Child Support Recovery Unit under the Department of Human Services managing enforcement. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City are the largest metros. Iowa Legal Aid is the statewide LSC-funded program, with every county having a self-represented litigant coordinator.

15 Resources

1. Iowa Medicaid (Hawk-i) — Free

State Medicaid program offering free or low-cost health coverage for eligible Iowa residents and children, including the Hawk-i CHIP program for kids in working families. Fathers can apply online, by phone, or at DHS offices with photo ID, Social Security numbers, income documents, and household info. Coverage includes doctor visits, hospital, prescriptions, mental health, and dental for most members. Statewide enrollment service.

800-257-8563 · 321 E 12th St, Des Moines, IA 50319 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Healthcare.gov – Iowa Marketplace — Free

Federal health insurance marketplace where Iowans can compare and enroll in plans during open enrollment or qualifying life events. Fathers can browse plans by county, check subsidy eligibility based on income, and enroll online 24/7. Need household income, Social Security numbers, and any existing coverage details. Free to shop; some households qualify for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions. Call center support weekdays and most weekends.

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

3. Primary Health Care Inc. – Des Moines — Paid

Federally qualified health center with multiple locations in central Iowa offering affordable primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy on a sliding-fee scale. Fathers without insurance can apply for reduced fees with photo ID, income proof, and household info. Medicaid and most private insurance accepted. Walk-ins welcome at some clinics; appointments preferred. Main clinic on University Avenue in Des Moines with sites in Ames, Marshalltown, and Osceola.

515-248-1500 · 1200 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Community Health Centers of Iowa — Paid

Statewide network of federally qualified community health centers providing affordable primary care, dental, and behavioral health services on sliding-fee scales. Fathers can find the nearest center through the HRSA locator or by calling state health agencies. Bring photo ID, income documents, and insurance info if any. Most centers accept Medicaid and offer discounts for uninsured patients. Service available across all 99 Iowa counties.

Mon-Fri varies

5. Peoples Community Health Clinic – Waterloo — Paid

Federally qualified health center providing affordable primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services in the Waterloo area. Fathers without insurance can apply for the sliding-fee scale with photo ID, income documentation, and household info. Medicaid and most private insurance accepted. Walk-ins accepted at some clinics; appointments preferred. Main clinic on Franklin Street in Waterloo also offers Spanish-speaking staff and interpreter services.

319-272-4601 · 905 Franklin St, Waterloo, IA 50703 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

6. Siouxland Community Health Center — Paid

Federally qualified health center serving the Sioux City area with primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services on a sliding-fee scale. Fathers without insurance can apply with photo ID, income documentation, and household info. Medicaid and most private insurance are accepted. Main clinic on Nebraska Street in Sioux City with satellite sites and school-based clinics. Bilingual staff available for many patient interactions.

712-252-2477 · 1021 Nebraska St, Sioux City, IA 51105 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

7. University of Iowa Free Medical Clinic — Free

Student-run free clinic staffed by UI medical students and supervising physicians providing basic healthcare to uninsured adults in the Iowa City area. Services may include acute care, chronic condition management, and referrals. Fathers can drop in during Saturday morning hours without appointment or insurance. Bring photo ID and a list of medications. All services are free. Clinic runs during the academic year with limited summer schedule.

319-335-8394 · Iowa City, IA 52242 · Sat mornings · Visit Website

8. Community Health Center of Fort Dodge — Paid

Federally qualified health center in Fort Dodge offering affordable primary care, behavioral health, and dental services for north central Iowa residents. Fathers without insurance can apply for the sliding-fee scale with photo ID, income documentation, and household info. Medicaid and most private insurance accepted. Walk-ins welcome at some visits; appointments preferred for routine care. Clinic located on South 1st Street serving Webster County.

515-955-8822 · 809 S 1st St, Fort Dodge, IA 50501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

9. Crescent Community Health Center – Dubuque — Paid

Federally qualified health center offering affordable primary care, behavioral health, and dental services for the Dubuque area. Fathers without insurance can apply for the sliding-fee scale with photo ID, income documentation, and household info. Medicaid and most private insurance accepted. Walk-ins welcome at some appointments; routine care requires scheduling. Clinic on Elm Street also offers Spanish interpretation and case management for chronic conditions.

563-690-2850 · 1690 Elm St, Dubuque, IA 52001 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Community Health Centers of Southeastern Iowa — Paid

Federally qualified health center offering affordable primary care, behavioral health, and dental services for Burlington and southeast Iowa residents. Fathers without insurance can apply for the sliding-fee scale with photo ID, income documentation, and household info. Medicaid and most private insurance accepted. Clinic on West Avenue in Burlington offers bilingual support and satellite sites across Des Moines and Lee counties for broader access.

319-753-0191 · 1401 West Ave, Burlington, IA 52601 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

11. Council Bluffs Community Health Center — Paid

Federally qualified community health center offering affordable primary care, behavioral health, and dental services for Council Bluffs and southwest Iowa residents. Fathers without insurance can apply for the sliding-fee scale with photo ID, income documentation, and household info. Medicaid and most private insurance accepted. Clinic on South Main Street offers bilingual staff and telehealth options for qualifying patients. Walk-in triage for urgent concerns.

712-325-1990 · 120 S Main St, Council Bluffs, IA 51503 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

12. Iowa Total Care — Free

Managed care organization serving Iowa Medicaid members through IA Health Link with coverage for doctor visits, hospitals, prescriptions, behavioral health, and value-added benefits. Fathers can enroll through Medicaid's managed care choice process and call Iowa Total Care for member ID, provider search, and care management. Coverage is free for eligible Medicaid members. Care coordinators assist with specialty referrals and social needs statewide.

833-404-1061 · Mon-Fri 8am-6pm · Visit Website

13. Amerigroup Iowa — Free

Managed care plan providing services for Iowa Medicaid recipients through the IA Health Link program including medical, dental, pharmacy, and behavioral health. Fathers enrolled in Medicaid can select Amerigroup during choice windows and call for member support, provider lookup, and care management. Coverage is free for eligible Medicaid members. Care coordinators assist with chronic disease management and social service referrals across Iowa communities.

800-600-4441 · Mon-Fri 8am-6pm · Visit Website

14. Broadlawns Medical Center — Paid

Polk County's public safety-net hospital providing affordable primary care, specialty services, mental health, dental, and 24/7 emergency care in Des Moines. Fathers without insurance can apply for financial assistance with photo ID, income documentation, and household info. Medicaid and most private insurance accepted. Walk-ins accepted in the emergency department; outpatient clinics by appointment. Main campus on Hickman Road on the north side of the city.

515-282-2200 · 1801 Hickman Rd, Des Moines, IA 50314 · 24/7 ER, Mon-Fri 8am-5pm clinics · Visit Website

15. Planned Parenthood of the Heartland – Iowa — Paid

Reproductive healthcare provider offering family planning, STI testing and treatment, cancer screenings, and men's health services at Iowa clinics. Fathers can schedule appointments for themselves or family members through the main line or online. Most insurance and Medicaid accepted with sliding-fee options for uninsured patients. Confidential services with bilingual staff in several locations. Main Des Moines office on Orchard Street.

877-811-7526 · 850 Orchard St, Des Moines, IA 50309 · Mon-Fri varies · 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.