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 Dakota

13 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 Dakota

North Dakota district courts handle family matters across seven judicial districts. The Child Support Division operates under DHHS. Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot are the largest cities. Legal Services of North Dakota is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

13 Resources

1. North Dakota Medicaid — Free

State-federal Medicaid program providing health coverage for low-income families, children, pregnant women, and some adults in North Dakota, including care for fathers with custody of minors. Apply through your county human service zone or online through the state DHS portal. Central office is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm at (701) 328-2321. Services are free for enrollees. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards, proof of income, and residency documents.

(701) 328-2321 · 600 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND 58505 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Family HealthCare Center — Fargo — Paid

Federally qualified health center offering affordable primary care, dental care, behavioral health, and pharmacy services on a sliding-scale basis for uninsured and under-insured Fargo-Moorhead families. The NP Avenue office is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 271-3344 to schedule. Services accept Medicaid, insurance, and income-based discounts. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid card if any, proof of income, and a current medication list.

(701) 271-3344 · 301 NP Ave Suite 201, Fargo, ND 58102 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Coal Country Community Health Center — Paid

Community health center serving Dickinson and western North Dakota with affordable primary care, pediatrics, dental, and behavioral health services on a sliding-scale basis. The 9th Street W office is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 483-1324 to schedule. Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, and sliding-scale pricing are accepted. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid card if any, proof of income, and a current medication list to intake.

(701) 483-1324 · 30 9th St W, Dickinson, ND 58601 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

4. Essentia Health — North Dakota — Paid

Integrated healthcare system with hospitals and clinics in Fargo and western North Dakota offering primary care, emergency services, pediatrics, and specialty care for fathers and families. The 32nd Avenue S campus runs a 24/7 ER; clinic hours are Mon-Fri. Call (701) 364-8000 to schedule. Medicaid, Medicare, and most insurance accepted. Bring photo ID, insurance card, and a current medication list to your first appointment.

(701) 364-8000 · 3000 32nd Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103 · 24/7 ER; clinics Mon-Fri · Visit Website

5. Indian Health Service — Great Plains Area — Free

Federal Indian Health Service network providing primary care, behavioral health, dental, and specialty services to Native American and Alaska Native communities across North Dakota at no cost to eligible tribal members. Regional office is reachable Mon-Fri 8am-5pm at (605) 226-7581. Visit ihs.gov/greatplains for clinic locations. Services are free for eligible patients. Bring tribal ID, photo ID, and a current medication list to registration.

(605) 226-7581 · Multiple facilities statewide · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. ND 211 Health Resources — Free

Free 24/7 referral helpline connecting North Dakota families with health clinics, insurance enrollment help, prescription-assistance programs, and behavioral-health care through a statewide resource database. Dial 211 anytime from any phone. Specialists can text or email local referrals based on your ZIP code and condition. Useful when you do not know where to start. Have your ZIP code and a short description of the health need ready.

211 · Statewide service · 24/7

7. Altru Health System — Grand Forks — Paid

Regional health system providing comprehensive medical care in northeast North Dakota and northwest Minnesota including primary care, hospital, pediatrics, and emergency services. The S Columbia Road campus runs a 24/7 ER; clinics are open Mon-Fri. Call (701) 780-5000 to schedule. Medicaid, Medicare, and most insurance accepted. Bring photo ID, insurance card, and a current medication list to your first appointment or registration.

(701) 780-5000 · 1200 S Columbia Rd, Grand Forks, ND 58201 · 24/7 ER; clinics Mon-Fri · Visit Website

8. CHI St. Alexius Health — Bismarck — Paid

Hospital and clinic system serving central and western North Dakota with primary care, hospital, pediatrics, heart care, and emergency services. The E Broadway Avenue campus runs a 24/7 ER; outpatient clinics are open Mon-Fri. Call (701) 530-7000 to schedule. Medicaid, Medicare, and most commercial insurance are accepted. Bring photo ID, insurance card, and a current medication list to your first appointment or registration at intake.

(701) 530-7000 · 900 E Broadway Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501 · 24/7 ER; clinics Mon-Fri

9. Trinity Health — Minot — Paid

Healthcare network providing hospital, primary care, pediatric, and specialty services in the Minot region and northwest North Dakota including the Bakken oil patch communities. The Burdick Expressway W campus runs a 24/7 ER; clinics are open Mon-Fri. Call (701) 857-5000 to schedule. Medicaid, Medicare, and most insurance accepted. Bring photo ID, insurance card, and a current medication list to your first appointment at registration.

(701) 857-5000 · One Burdick Expy W, Minot, ND 58701 · 24/7 ER; clinics Mon-Fri · Visit Website

10. ND Health Connector — Free

State referral resource that connects uninsured and under-insured North Dakotans with Marketplace health plans, Medicaid, and premium subsidies through healthcare.gov. The federal helpline is staffed 24/7 at (800) 318-2596 and the site is always available. Enrollment navigators can help free of charge during open and special enrollment periods. Have Social Security numbers, household income, and immigration status documents ready when you apply.

(800) 318-2596 · Online resource · 24/7 online · Visit Website

11. ND Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program — Free

State-administered federal program providing healthcare, medication assistance, case management, and support services for North Dakotans living with HIV or AIDS who are uninsured or under-insured. Reach the Bismarck office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm at (701) 328-2333. Visit health.nd.gov for enrollment information. Services are free or low-cost for qualifying clients. Bring photo ID, proof of income, proof of residence, and HIV-status documentation to intake.

(701) 328-2333 · 600 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND 58505 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. RxAssist — ND Patient Assistance — Free

Searchable online database of pharmaceutical patient-assistance programs available to North Dakota residents who are uninsured or under-insured and unable to afford prescription medications. Available 24/7 at rxassist.org. No account is required to search by drug or manufacturer. Useful for fathers managing chronic conditions between paychecks. Have the exact medication name, dose, and your prescribing doctor's contact information ready.

Online resource · 24/7 online · Visit Website

13. Heartland Community Health Center — Bismarck — Paid

Federally qualified health center providing affordable primary care, dental care, behavioral health, and pharmacy services on a sliding-scale basis for Bismarck-Mandan families. The N 26th Street office is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 751-0890 to schedule. Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, and sliding-scale pricing are accepted. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid card if any, proof of income, and a current medication list.

(701) 751-0890 · 1235 N 26th St, Bismarck, ND 58501 · Mon-Fri 8am-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.