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 Mississippi

14 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 Mississippi

Mississippi chancery courts handle divorce and custody in all 82 counties, with county courts handling some child support matters. The Division of Child Support Enforcement operates under MDHS. Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, and Hattiesburg are the largest cities. Mississippi Center for Justice and North Mississippi Rural Legal Services provide civil legal aid for low-income fathers.

14 Resources

1. Mississippi Medicaid (DOM) — Free

State Division of Medicaid providing free or low-cost health coverage to eligible low-income children, families, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. Main office at 550 High St #1000 in Jackson, open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers can apply online, by phone, or in person. Gather photo ID, Social Security cards, proof of income, and household composition documents. Medicaid eligibility is reviewed at application and renewal.

800-421-2408 · 550 High St #1000, Jackson, MS 39201 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Healthcare.gov – Mississippi Marketplace — Free

Federal health insurance marketplace where Mississippi residents can compare and enroll in qualified health plans and apply for premium subsidies based on income. Available 24/7 online with call center support. Fathers can use the site during open enrollment or qualifying life events. Gather photo ID, Social Security numbers, income information, and current insurance details. Subsidies are determined by household size and income.

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

3. Jackson-Hinds Comprehensive Health — Paid

Federally qualified community health center offering affordable primary care, pediatrics, dental, and behavioral health services in Jackson. Main office at 1030 W Capitol St, open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers and families can call for intake, appointment scheduling, and insurance questions. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid card, and any prior medical records. Sliding-scale fees are typically available for uninsured or low-income patients.

601-362-5321 · 1030 W Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39203 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Delta Health Center – Mound Bayou — Paid

Federally qualified health center serving the Mississippi Delta with primary care, pediatrics, dental, and behavioral health services. Main office at 282 Hwy 61 N in Mound Bayou, open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers and families can call for intake and appointment scheduling. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid card, and prior medical records if available. Sliding-scale fees are typically available for uninsured or low-income patients.

662-741-1964 · 282 Hwy 61 N, Mound Bayou, MS 38762 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Coast Community Health Center — Paid

Community health center serving the Mississippi Gulf Coast with affordable primary care, pediatrics, and related services. Office in Biloxi, open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers and families can call for intake, appointment scheduling, and insurance questions. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid card, and any prior medical records. Sliding-scale fees are typically available for uninsured or low-income patients based on household size and income.

228-374-0091 · Biloxi, MS 39530 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

6. Mississippi State Department of Health — Free

State public health agency running immunization clinics, WIC, maternal and child health services, and disease screening and prevention programs statewide. Headquartered at 570 E Woodrow Wilson Dr in Jackson, open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers can use the website to find local county health department offices and services. Bring photo ID and, for children's immunizations, any prior shot records. Many services are free or low-cost.

601-576-7400 · 570 E Woodrow Wilson Dr, Jackson, MS 39215 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Aaron E. Henry Community Health Center — Paid

Federally qualified community health center serving the Mississippi Delta, including Clarksdale and Coahoma County, with primary care, pediatrics, and related services. Main office at 304 Martin Luther King Blvd in Clarksdale, open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers and families can call for intake and scheduling. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid card, and any prior medical records. Sliding-scale fees may be available for low-income patients.

662-627-2509 · 304 Martin Luther King Blvd, Clarksdale, MS 38614 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

8. G.A. Carmichael Family Health Center — Paid

Community health center offering affordable primary care, pediatrics, and related services in central Mississippi. Office at 915 Hwy 80 E in Canton, open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers and families can call for intake, appointment scheduling, and insurance questions. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid card, and any prior medical records. Sliding-scale fees are typically available for uninsured or low-income patients based on household income.

601-267-6700 · 915 Hwy 80 E, Canton, MS 39046 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

9. Central Mississippi Health Services — Paid

Federally qualified health center serving Rankin County and surrounding central Mississippi with primary care, pediatrics, and behavioral health services. Main office in Brandon, open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers and families can call for intake and scheduling. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid card, and any prior medical records. Sliding-scale fees are typically available for uninsured or low-income patients based on household income.

601-825-5252 · Brandon, MS 39042 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Hattiesburg Community Health Center — Paid

Community health center offering affordable primary care and related services in Hattiesburg and south Mississippi. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers and families can call for intake, appointment scheduling, and insurance questions. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid card, and any prior medical records. Sliding-scale fees are typically available for uninsured or low-income patients based on household size and documented income.

601-296-4567 · Hattiesburg, MS 39401 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

11. Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative — Paid

Network of community health centers serving multiple rural counties in southeast Mississippi with primary care, pediatrics, and related services. Main office in Lucedale, open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers and families can call for intake and appointment scheduling at the nearest clinic site. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid card, and any prior medical records. Sliding-scale fees may be available for uninsured or low-income patients.

601-947-8251 · Lucedale, MS 39452 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

12. Meridian Community Health Center — Paid

Community health center offering affordable primary care and related services in Meridian and east Mississippi. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers and families can call for intake, appointment scheduling, and insurance questions. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid card, and any prior medical records. Sliding-scale fees are typically available for uninsured or low-income patients based on household size and documented income.

601-693-2411 · Meridian, MS 39301 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

13. Vicksburg Community Health Center — Paid

Community health center providing affordable primary care and related services for families in Vicksburg and Warren County. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers and families can call for intake, appointment scheduling, and insurance questions. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid card, and any prior medical records. Sliding-scale fees are typically available for uninsured or low-income patients based on household size and income.

601-638-2131 · Vicksburg, MS 39183 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

14. Pascagoula Community Health Center — Paid

Community health center offering affordable primary care and related services for Jackson County families in the Pascagoula area. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers and families can call for intake, appointment scheduling, and insurance questions. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid card, and any prior medical records. Sliding-scale fees are typically available for uninsured or low-income patients based on household income.

228-769-3181 · Pascagoula, MS 39567 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

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.