Primary Health Care Inc. – Des Moines

Healthcare · Iowa · 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.

Contact & Details

Address: 1200 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314

Phone: 515-248-1500

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

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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.

More Healthcare in Iowa

  • Iowa Medicaid (Hawk-i) — State Medicaid program offering free or low-cost health coverage for eligible Iowa residents and children, including the Hawk-i CHIP program
  • Healthcare.gov – Iowa Marketplace — Federal health insurance marketplace where Iowans can compare and enroll in plans during open enrollment or qualifying life events. Fathers
  • Community Health Centers of Iowa — Statewide network of federally qualified community health centers providing affordable primary care, dental, and behavioral health services
  • Peoples Community Health Clinic – Waterloo — Federally qualified health center providing affordable primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services in the Waterloo area.
  • Siouxland Community Health Center — Federally qualified health center serving the Sioux City area with primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services on a slidi
  • University of Iowa Free Medical Clinic — Student-run free clinic staffed by UI medical students and supervising physicians providing basic healthcare to uninsured adults in the Iowa

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.