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 Minnesota

18 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 Minnesota

Minnesota district courts hear family matters across its 87 counties. The Child Support Enforcement Division operates under DHS. Minneapolis-Saint Paul anchors the state; Rochester, Duluth, and Bloomington are other major metros. Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, and Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid cover the state through regional LSC-funded programs.

18 Resources

1. MinnesotaCare — Paid

MinnesotaCare provides affordable, state-subsidized health insurance for Minnesotans whose income is too high for Medical Assistance but who cannot afford private coverage. Covers doctor visits, prescriptions, mental health, and preventive care with low monthly premiums based on income. Dads working part-time or in low-wage jobs may qualify. Apply through MNsure or contact the DHS helpline for eligibility screening; enrollment is open year-round for qualifying individuals and families.

651-297-3862 · 444 Lafayette Rd N, St. Paul, MN 55155 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Medical Assistance (Medicaid) – Minnesota — Free

Medical Assistance (Medicaid) in Minnesota provides free or low-cost comprehensive health coverage for eligible low-income residents including adults, children, and families. Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, mental health services, and dental care. Dads with limited income may qualify regardless of employment status. Apply online at MNbenefits.mn.gov, through MNsure, or at a county DHS office; bring income documents, ID, and Social Security numbers for household members.

651-431-2670 · 444 Lafayette Rd N, St. Paul, MN 55155 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

3. MNsure – Health Insurance Marketplace — Free

MNsure is Minnesota's official health insurance marketplace where individuals and families can compare plans, check eligibility for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare, and enroll in coverage. Dads can shop ACA-compliant plans side by side and find out if they qualify for tax credits that lower monthly premiums. Open enrollment runs annually; special enrollment triggered by life events like job loss. Visit MNsure.org or call for navigator assistance to guide you through the process.

855-366-7873 · 81 E 7th St #300, St. Paul, MN 55101 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

4. NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center — Paid

NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center in north Minneapolis is a federally qualified community health center providing primary care, dental care, and mental health services on a sliding-fee scale. Dads without insurance or with high deductibles can access quality healthcare at reduced cost based on income. Services include physicals, chronic disease management, behavioral health counseling, and pharmacy. Walk-ins accepted; call ahead to confirm same-day availability and bring any insurance cards and income documentation.

612-543-2500 · 1313 Penn Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Community Health Service – St. Paul — Paid

Community Health Service in St. Paul provides affordable primary care, immunizations, and health screenings for individuals and families on a sliding-fee scale. Dads without insurance or with limited coverage can access preventive care, chronic disease management, and wellness exams at reduced cost based on household income. Services include physicals, lab work, vaccinations, and referrals. Call ahead to schedule an appointment and ask about sliding-fee eligibility when you contact the clinic.

651-266-1200 · 555 Cedar St, St. Paul, MN 55101 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

6. Hennepin Healthcare — Paid

Hennepin Healthcare is a county-owned medical center and clinic system in Minneapolis providing comprehensive healthcare regardless of a patient's ability to pay. Offers primary care, specialty services, emergency care, mental health treatment, and substance use services. Dads without insurance or facing financial hardship can access care through sliding-fee programs and Medical Assistance enrollment assistance on-site. Call to schedule or visit the downtown Minneapolis campus for walk-in and urgent care services.

612-873-3000 · 701 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55415 · 24/7 ER, clinics Mon-Fri · Visit Website

7. Open Cities Health Center — Paid

Open Cities Health Center in St. Paul is a federally qualified community health center serving all patients regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Provides primary care, dental services, mental health counseling, and chronic disease management on a sliding-fee scale. Dads without coverage or with high out-of-pocket costs are welcome. Call to schedule an appointment; bring proof of income to determine your sliding-fee discount and ask about available services on your first visit.

651-290-9200 · 409 N Dale St, St. Paul, MN 55104 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Community Dental Care — Paid

Community Dental Care provides affordable dental services for uninsured and underinsured patients at multiple Minnesota locations. Services include cleanings, fillings, extractions, and dentures on a sliding-fee scale based on household income. Dads who lack dental coverage or whose plans have limited benefits can receive quality care at significantly reduced cost. Call to schedule an appointment, ask about sliding-fee eligibility, and confirm which services are available at the location nearest you.

651-925-8400 · 1670 Beam Ave, Maplewood, MN 55109 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

9. Free Clinic – Minnesota Association — Free

The Minnesota Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (MAFCC) maintains a statewide directory of free clinics providing medical, dental, and mental health care to uninsured Minnesotans. Dads without health coverage can use the directory to locate the nearest free clinic in their area. Services vary by clinic but typically include basic primary care, prescriptions, and referrals. Visit the MAFCC website to search by location and contact the clinic directly to confirm services and hours.

Varies by clinic · Visit Website

10. Indian Health Board of Minneapolis — Paid

Indian Health Board of Minneapolis provides comprehensive healthcare for Native Americans including medical, dental, and behavioral health services. Offers primary care, mental health counseling, substance use treatment, and community wellness programs in a culturally responsive environment. Dads of Native heritage can access services regardless of insurance status on a sliding-fee scale. Call to schedule an appointment and ask about available programs; bring any insurance cards and income documentation to your visit.

612-721-9800 · 1315 E 24th St, Minneapolis, MN 55404 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Mayo Clinic – Rochester — Paid

Mayo Clinic in Rochester is a world-renowned academic medical center providing comprehensive primary and specialty healthcare across virtually every medical discipline. Dads with complex or unresolved health conditions can seek expert diagnosis and treatment from multidisciplinary teams. Mayo accepts most major insurance plans and offers financial counseling for those without coverage. Call to request an appointment or ask for a referral from your primary care provider; bring all prior medical records and test results.

507-284-2511 · 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905 · Mon-Fri 7am-6pm · Visit Website

12. Neighborhood HealthSource — Paid

Neighborhood HealthSource operates community health centers at multiple Minneapolis locations providing affordable primary care, dental services, and behavioral health on a sliding-fee scale. Dads without insurance or with limited coverage can access routine physicals, chronic disease management, vaccinations, and mental health referrals at reduced cost based on income. Walk-ins may be available; calling ahead is recommended to schedule. Bring income verification and any existing insurance information to your appointment.

612-588-9411 · 1313 Penn Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. West Side Community Health Services — Paid

West Side Community Health Services provides affordable medical and dental care for residents of St. Paul's West Side neighborhood and surrounding areas. Operates as a federally qualified health center offering primary care, dental services, behavioral health, and preventive screenings on a sliding-fee scale based on household income. Dads without insurance or facing high medical costs are welcome. Call to schedule an appointment and inquire about sliding-fee eligibility; bring income documentation to your first visit.

651-222-1816 · 153 Concord St, St. Paul, MN 55107 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Duluth Community Health Center — Paid

Duluth Community Health Center is a federally qualified health center providing affordable primary care, dental services, and behavioral health support to patients in the Duluth area regardless of insurance status. Sliding-fee discounts are available based on household income. Dads in the Duluth region without coverage or with high out-of-pocket costs can access quality care. Call to schedule an appointment and ask about sliding-fee eligibility; bring income documentation and any existing insurance cards to your visit.

218-722-1497 · 325 N Central Ave, Duluth, MN 55807 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

15. Olmsted Medical Center — Paid

Olmsted Medical Center is a multispecialty clinic and community hospital serving Rochester and the broader southeastern Minnesota region. Offers primary care, surgical services, specialty care, and emergency medicine with a focus on personalized local healthcare. Dads can access a wide range of services from routine checkups to complex care without traveling to larger urban centers. Call to schedule with a primary care provider or specialist; most major insurance plans accepted, and financial counseling is available.

507-288-3443 · 210 9th St SE, Rochester, MN 55904 · Mon-Fri 7am-5pm · Visit Website

16. Axis Medical Center – St. Cloud — Paid

Axis Medical Center in St. Cloud provides affordable primary care and dental services for individuals and families in central Minnesota. Operates on a sliding-fee scale based on household income, making care accessible for uninsured and underinsured patients. Dads without coverage or facing high deductibles can receive routine physicals, preventive care, dental cleanings, and fillings at reduced cost. Call to schedule an appointment and ask about sliding-fee eligibility; bring income documentation to your first visit.

320-229-4980 · 1900 CentraCare Cir, St. Cloud, MN 56303 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

17. Children's Minnesota — Paid

Children's Minnesota is the state's largest pediatric healthcare system, with hospitals in Minneapolis and St. Paul along with clinics throughout the metro area. Provides specialized medical and surgical care for infants, children, and adolescents. Dads can bring their kids for everything from urgent care visits to complex surgeries and chronic condition management. Financial assistance and Medical Assistance enrollment help are available for qualifying families. Call or visit the website to find the nearest location and schedule care.

612-813-6111 · 2525 Chicago Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404 · 24/7 ER · Visit Website

18. Planned Parenthood – Minnesota — Paid

Planned Parenthood Minnesota provides reproductive healthcare, STI testing and treatment, contraception, and general wellness exams at multiple clinic locations across the state. Services are available to all patients including men, with sliding-fee options for those without insurance. Dads can access STI screenings, sexual health education, and referrals through Planned Parenthood. Call or book online to schedule at the location nearest you; bring insurance information if available or ask about income-based pricing.

800-230-7526 · 1200 Lagoon Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408 · Mon-Sat 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.