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 Rhode Island

9 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 Rhode Island

Rhode Island Family Court is a statewide system handling all divorce, custody, paternity, and child support cases. The Office of Child Support Services operates under DHS. Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket are the largest cities. Rhode Island Legal Services is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

9 Resources

1. HealthSource RI – Marketplace — Free

Rhode Island's official state-based health insurance marketplace where individuals, families, and small employers can compare and enroll in plans, check Medicaid eligibility, and apply for premium tax credits. Fathers can enroll online, by phone, or with a local navigator. Call during business hours for help. Have Social Security numbers, income estimates, and current insurance details for everyone in the household when applying.

855-840-4774 · Mon-Fri 8am-6pm · Visit Website

2. Providence Community Health Centers — Paid

Federally qualified health centers with multiple Providence locations including the main site on Allens Avenue, offering primary care, pediatrics, dental, and behavioral health on a sliding-fee scale. Fathers and families without insurance or with Medicaid are welcome. Call to schedule intake at the nearest clinic. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, proof of income, insurance or Medicaid cards, and immunization records for children.

401-444-0400 · 375 Allens Ave, Providence, RI 02905 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Wood River Health Services — Paid

Community health center for southern Rhode Island based on Main Street in Hope Valley, offering primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services on a sliding-fee scale. Fathers and families living in Washington County or nearby can schedule integrated care for the whole household. Call during business hours to request intake. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, proof of income, insurance or Medicaid cards, and prior records if available.

401-539-2461 · 823 Main St, Hope Valley, RI 02832 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. RI Free Clinic — Free

Free medical care for uninsured low-income adults at the Rhode Island Free Clinic on Broad Street in Providence, staffed by volunteer physicians, nurses, and students. Services include primary care, chronic disease management, and referrals to specialists. Fathers may apply by phone or through community partner sites. Bring photo ID, proof of income, proof of RI residency, and a list of current medications to your eligibility appointment.

401-274-6347 · 655 Broad St, Providence, RI 02907 · Select evenings · Visit Website

5. Blackstone Valley Community Health — Paid

Healthcare services for Pawtucket, Central Falls, and surrounding towns at Blackstone Valley Community Health Care's East Avenue office in Pawtucket. The agency offers primary care, pediatrics, dental, and behavioral health on a sliding-fee scale, accepting Medicaid and most insurance. Call for intake. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, proof of income, insurance or Medicaid cards, and children's immunization and school records.

401-722-0081 · 39 East Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

6. Planned Parenthood of Southern NE – RI — Paid

Reproductive health and family planning services for Rhode Island residents at Planned Parenthood's Broad Street center in Providence, including STI testing and treatment, contraception, and cancer screenings. Fathers and partners are welcome to accompany loved ones or access their own testing and care. Call to schedule and confirm what to bring. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid cards, and payment for any sliding-fee balance due.

401-421-9620 · 175 Broad St, Providence, RI 02903 · Mon-Sat varies · Visit Website

7. Newport Community Health Center — Paid

Primary care and community health services for Newport County residents at the Old Mill Bottom Road location in Newport, including pediatrics, behavioral health, and dental. Services are offered on a sliding-fee scale, and Medicaid and most insurance are accepted. Fathers can schedule care for themselves and their children in one visit. Call for intake. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, proof of income, and insurance or Medicaid cards.

401-845-1670 · 150 Old Mill Bottom Rd, Newport, RI 02840 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

8. WellOne Primary Medical – Pascoag — Paid

Community health center for northwestern Rhode Island at WellOne's Sayles Avenue location in Pascoag, offering primary care, dental, and behavioral health on a sliding-fee scale. Fathers and families in Burrillville, Glocester, and nearby towns can schedule integrated care. Call during business hours to start intake. Bring photo ID, Social Security card, proof of income, insurance or Medicaid cards, and children's immunization records to the visit.

401-568-8846 · 100 Sayles Ave, Pascoag, RI 02859 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

9. Tri-County Community Action – Health — Free

Health navigation, wellness programs, and community-based services for northern Rhode Island residents through Tri-County Community Action Agency on Hartford Avenue in Johnston. Staff help fathers and families apply for Medicaid, HealthSource RI plans, WIC, and other benefits, and connect with community health partners. Call to schedule. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards, proof of income and residency, and any current insurance information.

401-519-1910 · 1126 Hartford Ave, Johnston, RI 02919 · 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.