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 Michigan

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 Michigan

Michigan family courts (a division of circuit court) handle custody and related matters in each of its 83 counties, with Friend of the Court offices providing investigation, mediation, and enforcement support specific to Michigan. The Office of Child Support runs statewide enforcement. Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, and Sterling Heights are the largest metros. Michigan Legal Help online self-help center is one of the most robust in the US.

15 Resources

1. Healthy Michigan Plan (Medicaid Expansion) — Free

Michigan's expanded Medicaid program providing health coverage to adults ages 19-64 earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Covers medical, dental, vision, mental health, and substance use treatment. Apply online at michigan.gov/mibridges or at your local DHHS office. No cost for most enrollees. Bring ID, proof of income, and Social Security number to apply in person. Coverage typically begins the following month.

844-799-9876 · Apply via MI Bridges or local DHHS office · Online 24/7; phone Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Healthcare.gov - Michigan Marketplace — Free

Federal marketplace for Michigan residents to compare and enroll in health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act. Premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions are available based on household income. Open enrollment runs November to January; special enrollment periods apply for qualifying life events. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596. Have Social Security numbers, income estimates, and employer info ready when applying.

1-800-318-2596 · Online resource · Online 24/7; phone 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Community Health & Social Services Center (CHASS) - Detroit — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center providing primary care, dental, behavioral health, and social services to underserved communities in southwest Detroit. Accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and uninsured patients on a sliding fee scale based on income. Services include adult medicine, pediatrics, prenatal care, dental, and mental health. Walk-ins welcome for urgent care. Call ahead for appointments. Bring ID, insurance card if available, and income documentation for sliding scale.

313-849-3920 · 5635 W Fort St, Detroit, MI 48209 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Cherry Street Health Services (Grand Rapids) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center providing primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services for uninsured and underinsured residents in West Michigan. Sliding fee scale based on income ensures care is affordable regardless of insurance status. Multiple Grand Rapids-area locations serve adults, children, and families. Call to schedule or walk in for urgent needs. Bring ID and any insurance cards; no insurance is required to be seen.

616-965-8200 · 100 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (and other locations) · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; some evening hours · Visit Website

5. Hamilton Community Health Network (Flint) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center serving Flint and Genesee County with primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy on a sliding fee scale. Accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and uninsured patients. Services include adult and pediatric medicine, mental health counseling, and substance use support. Multiple Flint-area locations available. Call to schedule an appointment. Bring ID, proof of income for sliding scale eligibility, and insurance card if applicable.

810-406-4246 · 802 S Saginaw St, Flint, MI 48502 (and other locations) · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Ingham Community Health Centers (Lansing) — Paid

Community health center serving Lansing and Ingham County with affordable primary care, dental, vision, and behavioral health regardless of insurance status. Sliding fee scale is available for uninsured and low-income patients. Services include adult medicine, pediatrics, prenatal care, and mental health counseling. Multiple Lansing-area locations. Call ahead to schedule; bring ID, proof of income for sliding scale, and insurance card if you have one.

517-887-4302 · 5303 S Cedar St, Lansing, MI 48911 (and other locations) · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Michigan Primary Care Association — Paid

Statewide network of 45 Federally Qualified Health Centers across Michigan providing affordable healthcare at 300+ sites regardless of insurance or ability to pay. Use the site locator to find the nearest health center offering primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services. All sites use a sliding fee scale. Bring photo ID and proof of income to your first visit. No patient is turned away due to inability to pay.

517-381-8000 · Find a health center on website by zip code · Varies by location · Visit Website

8. Michigan Poison Control Center — Free

Michigan Poison Control Center provides 24/7 free emergency guidance for poisoning emergencies statewide. Call immediately if someone has ingested a harmful substance, been exposed to chemicals, or overdosed on medication. Specialists provide real-time advice for household products, medications, plants, and more. Save the number in your phone. No appointment or insurance needed — this is a free, confidential helpline available any time of day or night.

800-222-1222 · 24/7/365 · Visit Website

9. NeedyMeds – Michigan Prescription Help — Free

NeedyMeds is a free online database of patient assistance programs for Michigan residents to find free or discounted prescription medications. Search by drug name, condition, or manufacturer to locate pharmaceutical assistance programs, discount cards, and clinic resources. No registration required to search. If you can't afford your prescriptions, visit needymeds.org and enter the medication name to find available assistance options in Michigan.

800-503-6897 · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

10. RxAssist – Michigan — Free

RxAssist is a free online database of pharmaceutical patient assistance programs for Michigan residents who need help affording their medications. Search by drug name or manufacturer to find manufacturer-sponsored programs that provide free or reduced-cost prescriptions. Many programs require a doctor's signature and proof of income. Visit rxassist.org, search your medication, and follow the program application instructions provided for each drug listed.

Online 24/7 · Visit Website

11. Covenant Community Care (Detroit FQHC) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center serving Detroit with primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services. Sliding fee scale makes care affordable for uninsured and low-income patients regardless of ability to pay. Accepts Medicaid and Medicare. Multiple Detroit locations available. Call to schedule an appointment or ask about walk-in availability. Bring a photo ID and proof of income to qualify for the sliding fee discount.

313-554-2200 · 5716 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48210 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. InterCare Community Health Network (SW Michigan) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center serving Southwest Michigan with primary care, dental, and behavioral health services at 9 locations across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. Sliding fee scale available for uninsured and low-income patients. Accepts Medicaid and Medicare. Services include adult and pediatric medicine, prenatal care, dental, and mental health. Call your nearest InterCare location to schedule. Bring ID and proof of income for sliding fee eligibility.

269-925-2528 · Multiple SW Michigan locations · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Family Health Center (Kalamazoo FQHC) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center serving the Kalamazoo area with primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services on a sliding fee scale. Uninsured and low-income patients are welcome. Accepts Medicaid and Medicare. Services include adult and pediatric medicine, mental health counseling, and preventive care. Call to schedule or ask about walk-in options. Bring a photo ID and proof of income for sliding fee scale eligibility at your first visit.

269-349-2641 · 117 W Paterson St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center (UP) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center serving Michigan's Upper Peninsula with primary care and behavioral health services at rural locations across the UP. Sliding fee scale based on income makes care affordable for uninsured patients. Accepts Medicaid and Medicare. Services include adult medicine, pediatrics, mental health, and preventive care. Given the region's rural nature, call ahead to confirm your nearest location, hours, and available appointment times before visiting.

906-632-8822 · Multiple UP locations · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

15. Planned Parenthood of Michigan — Paid

Reproductive healthcare, STI testing, cancer screenings, and primary care services at locations across Michigan. Sliding scale fees are available for uninsured and low-income patients. Services include birth control, HIV testing, annual exams, and men's health screenings. Locations in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Ann Arbor, and more. Call or book online to schedule. Bring ID and income information if applying for the sliding scale fee discount.

800-230-7526 · Multiple MI locations · Hours vary · 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.