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 Kentucky

16 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 Kentucky

Kentucky family courts hear custody, visitation, and child support cases in most counties; the remaining counties use district or circuit court. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services Division of Child Support administers enforcement. Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Covington are the major metros. Legal Aid Society (Louisville/western), Kentucky Legal Aid, and Appalachian Research and Defense Fund (AppalReD) cover the state.

16 Resources

1. Kentucky Medicaid (kynect) — Free

State Medicaid program providing free or low-cost health coverage for eligible low-income Kentucky residents, including children and adults. Fathers can apply at kynect.ky.gov, by phone, or in person through a local DCBS office. Coverage includes doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and behavioral health. Call the toll-free line for help. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards, proof of income, and household information when applying.

855-459-6328 · 275 E Main St, Frankfort, KY 40621 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-5:30pm · Visit Website

2. Family Health Centers – Louisville — Paid

Network of federally qualified community health centers providing primary medical, dental, and behavioral health care across Louisville. Fathers without insurance or on Medicaid can access affordable care on a sliding fee scale. Call the Portland Avenue office or any FHC clinic to schedule an appointment. Bring photo ID, insurance card if any, proof of income, and a list of current medications to your first visit. Translation services are available.

502-772-8588 · 2215 Portland Ave, Louisville, KY 40212 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. HealthFirst Bluegrass – Lexington — Paid

Federally qualified health center offering primary medical, dental, and behavioral health care in Lexington on a sliding fee scale. Fathers without insurance or with Medicaid can schedule care at the Ashland Avenue main clinic or affiliated sites. Call to arrange an appointment. Bring photo ID, insurance card, proof of income, and a list of current medications. Sliding fee discounts are based on household size and income; the clinic also enrolls patients in Medicaid.

859-288-2490 · 163 N Ashland Ave, Lexington, KY 40502 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Northern Kentucky Community Health — Paid

Community health center providing affordable primary and preventive care in the Northern Kentucky area on a sliding fee scale. Fathers without insurance or on Medicaid can schedule appointments at the Madison Avenue clinic for checkups, chronic disease care, and women's and children's health services. Call during business hours to book a first visit. Bring photo ID, insurance card, proof of income, and a list of current medications to your appointment.

859-655-6100 · 1532 Madison Ave, Covington, KY 41011 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

5. Mountain Comprehensive Health Corporation — Paid

Federally qualified community health center providing primary medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services across eastern Kentucky. Fathers can schedule care at the Paintsville office or one of MCHC's regional clinics on a sliding fee basis. Call during business hours to arrange an intake. Bring photo ID, insurance card, proof of income, and a list of current medications. Transportation assistance may be available for appointments.

606-886-8572 · 168 Front Ave, Paintsville, KY 41240 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Park DuValle Community Health Center — Paid

Community health center offering primary medical, dental, and pharmacy services in west Louisville on a sliding fee scale. Fathers without insurance or on Medicaid can schedule checkups, chronic disease care, and prescriptions at the Wilson Avenue location. Call during business hours to book an appointment. Bring photo ID, insurance card, proof of income, and a list of current medications. Care is available for the whole family in one location.

502-774-4401 · 3015 Wilson Ave, Louisville, KY 40211 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

7. Kentucky Department for Public Health — Free

State public health agency operating programs including immunizations, maternal and child health services, communicable disease screenings, and health education through local health departments. Fathers can contact their county health department for free or low-cost services. Call the Frankfort office for administrative information. Bring photo ID, insurance card if any, and any relevant medical records when visiting a local clinic for services or testing.

502-564-3970 · 275 E Main St, Frankfort, KY 40621 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

8. White House Clinics – Richmond — Paid

Federally qualified health center serving Madison County and the surrounding area with primary medical, dental, and behavioral health services on a sliding fee scale. Fathers without insurance or on Medicaid can schedule care at the Boggs Lane location or affiliated clinics. Call during business hours to arrange an appointment. Bring photo ID, insurance card, proof of income, and a list of current medications. Same-day appointments may be available.

859-986-3153 · 338 Boggs Ln, Richmond, KY 40475 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Grace Health – Corbin — Paid

Federally qualified community health center providing primary medical, dental, and behavioral health services in southeastern Kentucky on a sliding fee scale. Fathers without insurance or on Medicaid can schedule appointments at the South Main Street location or affiliated clinics. Call during business hours to book an appointment. Bring photo ID, insurance card, proof of income, and a list of current medications. Transportation assistance may be available.

606-528-0212 · 650 S Main St, Corbin, KY 40701 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

10. Big Sandy Health Care – Prestonsburg — Paid

Community health center providing primary medical and dental services for fathers and families in eastern Kentucky on a sliding fee scale. Services include pediatrics, chronic disease care, and women's health at the Resource Road campus and regional clinics. Call during business hours to schedule an appointment. Bring photo ID, insurance card, proof of income, and a list of current medications. Staff can help patients apply for Medicaid and discount programs.

606-886-8572 · 100 Resource Rd, Prestonsburg, KY 41653 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

11. Owensboro Health – Community Services — Paid

Regional health system operating affordable healthcare, community wellness programs, and outreach services in the Owensboro and western Kentucky area. Fathers can access primary care, specialty care, and community programming through the Pleasant Valley Road campus and outpatient locations. Call during business hours to schedule. Bring photo ID, insurance card, and a list of current medications to appointments. Financial assistance applications are available on request.

270-417-2000 · 1201 Pleasant Valley Rd, Owensboro, KY 42303 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Bluegrass Community Health Center — Paid

Federally qualified health center providing affordable primary medical, dental, and behavioral health services in central Kentucky on a sliding fee scale. Fathers without insurance or on Medicaid can schedule care at the Red Mile Road location. Call during business hours to arrange an appointment. Bring photo ID, insurance card, proof of income, and a list of current medications. Translation services and help applying for Medicaid are available to patients.

859-259-2020 · 1141 Red Mile Rd, Lexington, KY 40504 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Bowling Green Free Clinic — Free

Free primary care clinic for uninsured adults in south central Kentucky, staffed by volunteer physicians and nurses. Fathers without insurance can walk in or schedule an appointment at the Church Street location during evening hours. Services are free for qualifying patients. Bring photo ID, proof of income, and a list of current medications to your first visit. The clinic also refers patients to specialty care and prescription assistance programs.

270-781-0788 · 801 Church St, Bowling Green, KY 42101 · Mon-Thu 5pm-9pm

14. Paducah Primary Care – Community Health — Paid

Community primary care provider serving far western Kentucky with affordable medical services on a sliding fee scale for uninsured and underinsured patients. Fathers can schedule care at the Lone Oak Road location for checkups, chronic disease management, and preventive services. Call during business hours to schedule an appointment. Bring photo ID, insurance card, proof of income, and a list of current medications. Staff can assist with Medicaid enrollment.

270-442-6311 · 1530 Lone Oak Rd, Paducah, KY 42003 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

15. Pikeville Medical Center – Community Care — Paid

Regional health system offering hospital care, specialty services, and community wellness programs in eastern Kentucky. Fathers can access primary care, specialty referrals, and outpatient services through the Bypass Road campus. Call during business hours to schedule appointments. Bring photo ID, insurance card, and a list of current medications. Financial assistance applications are available on request, and staff can help patients navigate Medicaid and charity care.

606-218-3500 · 911 Bypass Rd, Pikeville, KY 41501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

16. Louisville HANDS Clinic — Free

Free student-run healthcare clinic for uninsured adults in Louisville, staffed by University of Louisville medical students under physician supervision. Fathers without insurance can receive free primary care, basic labs, and referrals on Saturday mornings at the East Broadway location. Services are free for qualifying patients. Bring photo ID if available and a list of current medications. The clinic connects patients to specialty care and prescription assistance programs.

502-414-4065 · 501 E Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202 · Sat mornings · 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.