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 North Carolina

12 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 North Carolina

North Carolina district courts handle family matters in all 100 counties, with some counties having dedicated family court sessions. The Child Support Services Section operates under DHHS. Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, and Winston-Salem are the largest metros. Legal Aid of North Carolina is the primary LSC-funded statewide civil legal aid program.

12 Resources

1. Healthcare.gov - NC Marketplace — Paid

Federal health insurance marketplace for North Carolina residents to compare and enroll in affordable health plans with potential subsidies based on income. Fathers without employer coverage can shop ACA-compliant plans during open enrollment or after qualifying life events like job loss or having a child. Call 1-800-318-2596 for enrollment help. Apply online at healthcare.gov. Available 24/7 for online browsing. Phone support Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Many plans are available for low monthly premiums with subsidies.

1-800-318-2596 · Online statewide resource · Online 24/7; phone Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. HRSA Health Center Finder (NC FQHCs) — Paid

Find Federally Qualified Health Centers across NC offering affordable medical, dental, and behavioral health care on a sliding fee scale regardless of insurance status. FQHCs serve uninsured and underinsured patients at reduced costs based on income. Fathers without insurance can access primary care, dental checkups, and mental health counseling. Call 1-877-464-4772 or search by zip code at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov. Multiple NC locations statewide. Hours vary by clinic location.

1-877-464-4772 · Statewide – search by zip code · Varies by clinic · Visit Website

3. Piedmont Health Services — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center providing affordable primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services on a sliding fee scale across central NC. Piedmont Health serves uninsured and underinsured patients at costs based on income. Call 919-942-8741 for appointments or to inquire about sliding fee eligibility. Located at 301 Lloyd St, Carrboro with multiple additional sites. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm with hours varying by location. No insurance is required to receive care.

919-942-8741 · 301 Lloyd St, Carrboro, NC 27510 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (hours vary by location) · Visit Website

4. Lincoln Community Health Center — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center in Durham providing comprehensive primary care, pediatrics, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services on a sliding fee scale for all patients. No insurance required. Sliding fee discounts are based on household income and family size. Call 919-956-4000 for appointments. Located at 1301 Fayetteville St, Durham. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers can bring children for pediatric visits. Spanish-language services available at most sites.

919-956-4000 · 1301 Fayetteville St, Durham, NC 27701 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. NC Poison Control (Carolinas Poison Center) — Free

Free 24/7 emergency poison information and treatment guidance staffed by nurses, pharmacists, and physicians for all North Carolina residents. Fathers can call immediately if a child or adult ingests something potentially harmful including household chemicals, medications, or plants. Call 1-800-222-1222 at any time — no waiting and no cost. Located in Charlotte. Covers all NC residents including those in rural areas without nearby hospitals. Life-saving guidance is available instantly around the clock.

1-800-222-1222 · Charlotte, NC · 24/7 · Visit Website

6. Wake County Public Health Center — Paid

County health department offering immunizations, WIC enrollment, family planning, STI testing, dental care, and community health programs for Wake County residents. Fathers can access STI testing, immunizations for children, and health screenings on a sliding fee scale. Call 919-250-1120 for appointments. Located at 200 Swinburne St, Raleigh. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Many services are available to uninsured patients at low or no cost. Spanish-language services available.

919-250-1120 · 200 Swinburne St, Raleigh, NC 27610 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Mecklenburg County Public Health — Paid

County health department providing immunizations, family planning, prenatal care, WIC enrollment, dental clinics, and health education for Charlotte-Mecklenburg residents. Sliding fee scale based on income for many services. Fathers can access immunizations for children and adults, STI testing, and health screenings. Call 704-336-4700 for appointments. Located at 249 Billingsley Rd, Charlotte. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Spanish-language services available. Uninsured patients are welcome.

704-336-4700 · 249 Billingsley Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Guilford County Health Department — Paid

County health department providing immunizations, WIC enrollment, family planning, dental care, STI testing, and environmental health services for the Greensboro and Guilford County area. Sliding scale fees based on income are available for many services. Fathers can access child and adult immunizations, health screenings, and STI testing. Call 336-641-7777 for appointments. Located at 1100 E Wendover Ave, Greensboro. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Uninsured patients welcome.

336-641-7777 · 1100 E Wendover Ave, Greensboro, NC 27405 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Forsyth County Department of Public Health — Paid

County health department serving Winston-Salem and Forsyth County with immunizations, WIC enrollment, dental care, family planning, and health screenings on a sliding fee scale based on income. Fathers can access child and adult immunizations, STI testing, and preventive health screenings. Call 336-703-3100 for appointments. Located at 799 N Highland Ave, Winston-Salem. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Spanish-language services available. Uninsured patients can access most services at reduced cost.

336-703-3100 · 799 N Highland Ave, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Cabarrus Health Alliance — Paid

Public health clinic in Concord offering affordable primary care, dental care, immunizations, WIC enrollment, family planning, and health education on a sliding fee scale based on income. Fathers can access adult and child health services without insurance. Call 704-920-1000 for appointments. Located at 300 Mooresville Rd, Kannapolis. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Sliding fee discounts based on household income are available for most services. Spanish-language services available at this location.

704-920-1000 · 300 Mooresville Rd, Kannapolis, NC 28081 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Buncombe County Health & Human Services — Paid

County health department providing clinical services, WIC enrollment, family planning, dental care, and behavioral health services for Asheville-area residents in Buncombe County. Sliding fee scale based on income for many services. Fathers can access immunizations, health screenings, and STI testing. Call 828-250-5000 for appointments. Located at 40 Coxe Ave, Asheville. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Spanish-language services available. Uninsured patients are welcome at most clinics.

828-250-5000 · 40 Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC 28801 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic - NC Locations — Paid

Reproductive health services including STI testing, wellness exams, contraception, and family planning across multiple NC locations in Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Fayetteville, and Asheville. Sliding fee scale based on income ensures affordable care for uninsured patients. Call 1-800-230-7526 for appointments or to find the nearest NC location. Located at multiple NC sites. Hours vary by location. Medicaid and most insurance plans accepted. No patient is turned away for inability to pay.

1-800-230-7526 · Multiple NC locations (Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Fayetteville, Asheville) · Varies by location · 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.