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 Maine

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 Maine

Maine district courts handle most family matters; superior courts handle more complex cases and appeals. The Division of Support Enforcement and Recovery operates under DHHS. Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, and Auburn are the largest cities. Pine Tree Legal Assistance is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid program, with a strong online self-help library covering custody and support.

15 Resources

1. Healthcare.gov – Maine Marketplace — Free

Federal health insurance marketplace where Maine residents can compare plans, check subsidy eligibility, and enroll in coverage during open enrollment or after qualifying life events. Fathers can visit healthcare.gov any time or call 800-318-2596 24/7. Gather Social Security numbers, tax information, and current insurance documents before applying. Premium tax credits lower monthly costs for many working families and self-employed parents.

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

2. Greater Portland Health — Paid

Federally qualified community health center in Portland offering primary medical, dental, and behavioral health services on a sliding fee scale. Fathers can call 207-874-2141 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm to schedule at the Congress Street site. Bring photo ID, insurance or MaineCare card, and proof of income to qualify for the sliding scale. The center accepts MaineCare, Medicare, and most commercial insurance, and also serves uninsured patients.

207-874-2141 · 130 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Katahdin Valley Health Center — Paid

Community health center serving north central Maine with primary medical, dental, and behavioral health care. Fathers can call 207-757-5200 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm to schedule at the Patten site or other KVHC clinics. Bring photo ID, insurance or MaineCare card, and proof of income for sliding-scale eligibility. The center accepts MaineCare, Medicare, and most commercial insurance and serves uninsured patients regardless of ability to pay.

207-757-5200 · 1 Main St, Patten, ME 04765 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. HealthReach Community Health Centers — Paid

Network of community health centers offering affordable medical, dental, and behavioral health care across central and western Maine. Fathers can call 207-660-9914 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit healthreach.org to find the nearest clinic. Bring photo ID, insurance or MaineCare card, and proof of income for sliding-scale fees. HealthReach accepts MaineCare, Medicare, and most commercial insurance, and serves uninsured patients based on ability to pay.

207-660-9914 · 204 Main St, Waterville, ME 04901 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Maine CDC – Public Health — Free

State public health agency administering immunization, infectious disease, maternal and child health, and chronic disease programs. Fathers can call 207-287-8016 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc for information on vaccines, screenings, and public health clinics. Services are generally free or low-cost. Contact the Maine CDC for outbreak questions, lead screening, and referrals to local public health nurses across the state.

207-287-8016 · Augusta, ME 04333 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. DFD Russell Medical Center – Lewiston — Paid

Community health center providing affordable primary medical, dental, and behavioral health care in Androscoggin County. Fathers can call 207-344-5400 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm to schedule at the Lisbon Street site in Lewiston. Bring photo ID, insurance or MaineCare card, and proof of income for sliding-scale fees. The center accepts MaineCare, Medicare, and most commercial insurance, and serves uninsured patients regardless of ability to pay.

207-344-5400 · 1074 Lisbon St, Lewiston, ME 04240 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Eastport Health Care — Paid

Community health center serving Washington County with primary medical, dental, and behavioral health services from sites in Eastport and the surrounding area. Fathers can call 207-853-6001 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm to schedule at the Boynton Street location. Bring photo ID, insurance or MaineCare card, and proof of income for sliding-scale fees. The center accepts MaineCare, Medicare, and most commercial plans and welcomes uninsured patients.

207-853-6001 · 30 Boynton St, Eastport, ME 04631 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Sacopee Valley Health Center — Paid

Community health center in western Maine offering primary care, behavioral health, and preventive services. Fathers can call 207-625-8126 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm to schedule at the Main Street site in Porter. Bring photo ID, insurance or MaineCare card, and proof of income for sliding-scale eligibility. The center accepts MaineCare, Medicare, and most commercial insurance, and serves uninsured patients on a discount program based on household income.

207-625-8126 · 923 Main St, Porter, ME 04068 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

9. St. Mary's Health System – Lewiston — Paid

Full-service hospital in the Lewiston-Auburn twin cities offering emergency, inpatient, surgical, and specialty care. Fathers can call 207-777-8100 24/7 for emergency services or physician referral at the Sabattus Street campus. Bring photo ID, insurance or MaineCare card, and medication list to appointments. The hospital accepts MaineCare, Medicare, and most commercial insurance, with financial assistance available for qualifying uninsured patients.

207-777-8100 · 318 Sabattus St, Lewiston, ME 04240 · 24/7 ER · Visit Website

10. Northern Light Health – Bangor — Paid

Major hospital system serving eastern Maine with emergency, inpatient, specialty, and primary care services at the Bangor flagship Eastern Maine Medical Center. Fathers can call 207-973-7000 24/7 for emergencies or physician referral at the State Street campus. Bring photo ID, insurance or MaineCare card, and medication list to appointments. MaineCare, Medicare, and most commercial insurance are accepted, and financial counselors assist with hospital bills.

207-973-7000 · 489 State St, Bangor, ME 04401 · 24/7 ER · Visit Website

11. Maine Medical Center – Portland — Paid

Maine's largest teaching hospital offering comprehensive emergency, specialty, surgical, and trauma services as part of the MaineHealth system. Fathers can call 207-662-0111 24/7 for emergency or referral at the Bramhall Street campus. Bring photo ID, insurance or MaineCare card, and medication list to appointments. MaineCare, Medicare, and most commercial insurance are accepted. Financial counselors help qualifying patients apply for free or discounted care.

207-662-0111 · 22 Bramhall St, Portland, ME 04102 · 24/7 ER · Visit Website

12. Pines Health Services – Caribou — Paid

Community health center in Aroostook County offering primary medical, dental, and behavioral health care to northern Maine residents. Fathers can call 207-498-6191 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm to schedule at the Hatch Drive site in Caribou. Bring photo ID, insurance or MaineCare card, and proof of income for sliding-scale fees. The center accepts MaineCare, Medicare, and most commercial insurance and serves uninsured patients regardless of ability to pay.

207-498-6191 · 32 Hatch Dr, Caribou, ME 04736 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. York Hospital – York — Paid

Community hospital serving southern coastal Maine with emergency, inpatient, surgical, and primary care services. Fathers can call 207-363-4321 24/7 for emergencies or physician referral at the Hospital Drive campus in York. Bring photo ID, insurance or MaineCare card, and medication list to appointments. MaineCare, Medicare, and most commercial insurance plans are accepted. Financial assistance is available for uninsured and underinsured patients who qualify.

207-363-4321 · 15 Hospital Dr, York, ME 03909 · 24/7 ER · Visit Website

14. CoverME.gov – Maine Health Insurance — Free

Maine's official health insurance marketplace for individuals and families, offering plan comparisons, subsidy estimates, and enrollment during open enrollment and qualifying life events. Fathers can visit coverme.gov any time or call 800-965-7476 for help. Gather Social Security numbers, tax information, and income documentation before applying. Premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions lower costs for many working families and self-employed parents.

800-965-7476 · 24/7 online · Visit Website

15. Planned Parenthood – Maine — Paid

Reproductive and sexual health services across Maine including exams, STI testing, contraception, and family planning. Fathers can call 207-797-8881 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm to schedule at the Congress Street Portland health center. Bring photo ID, insurance or MaineCare card, and relevant medical history. MaineCare, Medicare, and most commercial insurance are accepted, and sliding-scale fees are available for uninsured patients based on household income.

207-797-8881 · 443 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 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.