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 Pennsylvania

16 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 Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's Courts of Common Pleas handle family matters in each of its 60 judicial districts. The Pennsylvania Child Support Program operates through county domestic relations sections. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, and Reading are the major metros. Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, Neighborhood Legal Services (Pittsburgh), and MidPenn Legal Services cover most of the state.

16 Resources

1. Pennie (PA Health Insurance Marketplace) — Free

Pennsylvania's official state-based health insurance marketplace where individuals and families can compare and enroll in affordable health plans with potential premium subsidies. Open enrollment runs November through January, with special enrollment available after qualifying life events. Fathers who are uninsured or whose workplace coverage is unaffordable can shop plans at pennie.com or call 1-844-844-8040 for free enrollment assistance.

1-844-844-8040 · 312 Market St, 3rd Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101 · Mon-Fri 8am-6pm · Visit Website

2. PA Medical Assistance (Medicaid) & CHIP — Free

Pennsylvania's Medicaid program providing free or low-cost health coverage to eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Fathers who are income-eligible can apply for Medical Assistance online at compass.state.pa.us or at a local County Assistance Office. CHIP provides low-cost coverage for children whose families earn too much for Medicaid. Bring income and household documentation when applying.

1-866-550-4355 · Statewide · Helpline Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:45pm · Visit Website

3. Health Federation of Philadelphia — Paid

Supports a network of federally qualified health centers across Philadelphia providing primary care, dental, behavioral health, and preventive services on a sliding fee scale based on income. Uninsured or underinsured fathers can access affordable healthcare at FQHC member centers throughout Philadelphia. Call 215-567-3600 or visit healthfederation.org to find a participating health center near you in the city.

215-567-8001 · 123 S Broad St, Suite 650, Philadelphia, PA 19109 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Primary Care Health Services (Pittsburgh) — Paid

Network of nine federally qualified health centers throughout Pittsburgh providing primary care, dental, behavioral health, and social services on a sliding fee scale based on income. No patient is turned away due to inability to pay. Fathers in the Pittsburgh area who are uninsured or underinsured can call to find the nearest PCHS location and schedule an appointment. Accepts Medical Assistance and most commercial insurance.

412-244-4700 · 7227 Hamilton Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15208 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. COMPASS Benefits Portal — Free

Pennsylvania's online application portal where residents can apply for and manage Medical Assistance (Medicaid), CHIP, SNAP food assistance, Child Care Works subsidies, LIHEAP energy assistance, and other benefits. Fathers can use COMPASS at compass.state.pa.us to apply for multiple programs at once, check benefit status, and report changes. Applications can also be submitted at local County Assistance Offices.

1-800-692-7462 · Online portal · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

6. PA Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP) — Free

Statewide program providing free transportation to medical appointments for Pennsylvania Medicaid recipients through county-based providers in all 67 counties. Fathers on Medical Assistance can call their county MATP provider to schedule rides to doctor visits, hospital appointments, and pharmacy pickups. Rides must be scheduled in advance. Call 800-537-8862 or contact your county to find your local MATP provider.

1-800-524-2766 · County-based providers statewide · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

7. Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) — Paid

Large nonprofit operating health centers, dental clinics, and behavioral health services throughout southeastern Pennsylvania with sliding fee scales based on income. PHMC serves patients regardless of insurance status. Fathers in the Philadelphia and southeastern PA region who are uninsured or underinsured can contact PHMC to find the nearest health center and schedule affordable primary care, dental, or behavioral health appointments.

215-985-2500 · 1500 Market St, Centre Square East, Philadelphia, PA 19102 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Spectrum Health Services (Philadelphia) — Paid

Federally qualified health center providing primary care, dental, behavioral health, and HIV prevention and treatment services at multiple Philadelphia locations on a sliding fee scale. No patient is turned away due to inability to pay. Fathers in Philadelphia without insurance or with Medicaid can call Spectrum Health Services to find the nearest location and schedule affordable healthcare appointments for themselves and their families.

215-471-2761 · 4700 Wissahickon Ave, Suite 113, Philadelphia, PA 19144 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Geisinger Health System — Paid

Major Pennsylvania health system serving central and northeastern Pennsylvania with hospitals, clinics, and community health centers providing comprehensive medical care. Geisinger has locations across a large geographic area from Danville to Wilkes-Barre and offers primary care, specialty services, and behavioral health. Fathers in central and northeastern PA can call Geisinger to find the nearest location and inquire about insurance and sliding-scale options.

570-271-6211 · 100 N Academy Ave, Danville, PA 17822 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; hospitals 24/7 · Visit Website

10. Hamilton Health Center (Harrisburg) — Paid

Federally qualified health center in Harrisburg providing primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services on a sliding fee scale based on income. Hamilton Health Center serves patients regardless of insurance status and accepts Medical Assistance. Fathers in the Harrisburg area without insurance or with limited income can call to schedule affordable medical, dental, or behavioral health appointments.

717-232-9971 · 110 S 17th St, Harrisburg, PA 17104 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Community Health Net (Erie) — Paid

Federally qualified health center serving Erie County with primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services regardless of ability to pay. Community Health Net accepts Medical Assistance, Medicare, most commercial insurance, and serves uninsured patients on a sliding fee scale. Fathers in Erie County who are uninsured or underinsured can call to schedule an appointment at an affordable rate.

814-454-3174 · 1202 State St, Erie, PA 16501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Welsh Mountain Medical & Dental Center (Lancaster County) — Paid

Community health center serving underserved populations in Lancaster County with medical, dental, and behavioral health services on a sliding fee scale based on income. Welsh Mountain Medical serves patients regardless of insurance status and accepts Medical Assistance. Fathers in rural Lancaster County communities who are uninsured or underinsured can call to schedule affordable healthcare appointments at this community health center.

717-354-4913 · 584 Springville Rd, New Holland, PA 17557 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

13. Sadler Health Center (Carlisle) — Paid

Federally qualified health center in Cumberland County providing primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services with a sliding fee scale based on income. Sadler Health Center serves patients regardless of insurance and accepts Medical Assistance. Fathers in the Carlisle and Cumberland County area who are uninsured or underinsured can call Sadler to schedule an affordable appointment.

717-218-6400 · 100 N Hanover St, Carlisle, PA 17013 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Valley Health Partners (Lehigh Valley) — Paid

Federally qualified health center serving the Lehigh Valley with primary care, dental, women's health, and behavioral health services at multiple Allentown-area locations. Valley Health Partners accepts Medical Assistance, most commercial insurance, and offers sliding-scale fees for uninsured patients. Fathers in the Allentown-Bethlehem area who are uninsured or underinsured can call to schedule an affordable healthcare appointment.

610-437-7900 · 845 W Walnut St, Allentown, PA 18102 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

15. Adagio Health (Pittsburgh) — Paid

Provides comprehensive healthcare including primary care, family planning, STI testing, and cancer screenings at multiple locations across western Pennsylvania. Adagio Health accepts Medical Assistance and offers sliding-scale fees for uninsured patients. Fathers in western PA seeking affordable primary care or preventive health services can call to find the nearest Adagio Health location and schedule an appointment.

1-800-215-7494 · 960 Penn Ave, Suite 600, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

16. PA Free Clinic Network — Free

Network of free and charitable clinics across Pennsylvania providing healthcare to uninsured and underinsured residents at no cost. Clinics are staffed by volunteer medical professionals and rely on donations. Fathers without insurance who cannot afford healthcare can find their nearest PA free clinic through the PA Free Clinic Network directory. Services vary by clinic but often include primary care, dental, prescriptions, and lab work.

Multiple locations statewide · Varies by clinic · 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.