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 South Carolina

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 South Carolina

South Carolina family courts handle divorce, custody, and support in each of its 16 judicial circuits. The Child Support Services Division operates under the Department of Social Services. Charleston, Columbia, North Charleston, and Mount Pleasant are the largest cities. South Carolina Legal Services is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid program statewide.

14 Resources

1. Healthy Connections Medicaid – SC — Free

Free or low-cost health coverage for eligible low-income South Carolinians including fathers, children, and pregnant family members. SCDHHS administers Medicaid from the Main Street office in Columbia. Call or visit online to check eligibility and apply. Bring a photo ID, Social Security numbers for household members, proof of income, and proof of South Carolina residency when completing the application.

888-549-0820 · 1801 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Healthcare.gov – SC Marketplace — Free

Federal health insurance marketplace for South Carolina residents including fathers comparing and enrolling in plans. Open enrollment and special enrollment periods offer subsidized coverage for eligible households. Apply online 24/7 or call the federal helpline for assistance. Gather a photo ID, Social Security numbers, recent pay stubs, tax returns, and current insurance information before starting your marketplace application.

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

3. Eau Claire Cooperative Health Centers — Paid

Community health center providing primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services on a sliding-fee scale. Eau Claire serves Columbia-area fathers and families from the Gervais Street main site and area clinics. Call during weekday hours to schedule an appointment. Bring a photo ID, insurance card if any, proof of income for sliding-fee eligibility, and a list of current medications to your first visit.

803-353-3200 · 2150 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29204 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. MUSC Health – Charleston — Paid

Major academic medical center providing comprehensive healthcare for Charleston-area fathers, adults, and children. MUSC offers specialty care, emergency services, and primary care clinics at the Ashley Avenue main campus and satellite sites. The ER is open 24/7; clinics run weekday hours. Call to schedule clinic appointments. Bring a photo ID, insurance cards, current medication list, and any prior records to each visit.

843-792-1414 · 171 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC 29425 · 24/7 ER, clinics Mon-Fri · Visit Website

5. Greenville Free Medical Clinic — Free

Free medical and dental care for uninsured Greenville-area adults, including fathers without health coverage. Volunteer providers staff clinics at the Howe Street site several weekdays. Call the clinic to confirm eligibility and schedule an intake appointment. Bring a photo ID, proof of Greenville County residency, and recent pay stubs showing income eligibility so staff can complete the application for services.

864-232-6612 · 200 Howe St, Greenville, SC 29601 · Mon-Thu 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Little River Medical Center — Paid

Federally qualified health center serving Grand Strand-area fathers and families with primary care, dental, and behavioral health services on a sliding-fee scale. Clinicians see patients at the Live Oak Drive main site and several satellite locations. Call weekdays to schedule an appointment. Bring a photo ID, insurance card if any, proof of income for sliding-fee eligibility, and a current medication list to your first visit.

843-663-8000 · 4303 Live Oak Dr, Little River, SC 29566 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. CareSouth Carolina — Paid

Community health center network serving the Pee Dee region with primary care, dental, and behavioral health services on a sliding-fee scale. CareSouth operates clinics from the South 4th Street main campus in Hartsville and satellite sites. Call weekdays to schedule an appointment. Bring a photo ID, insurance card if any, proof of income for sliding-fee eligibility, and a list of current medications to your first visit.

843-383-3505 · 630 S 4th St, Hartsville, SC 29550 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. SC Free Clinic Network — Free

Directory of free and charitable clinics providing healthcare to uninsured South Carolina fathers and residents. The online directory helps users find local clinics by ZIP code, along with specialty services such as dental or behavioral health. Visit the site 24/7 to locate a clinic near you. Most free clinics require proof of South Carolina residency and recent income documentation for eligibility screening.

Varies by clinic · Visit Website

9. Fetter Health Care Network – Charleston — Paid

Federally qualified health center offering primary care and dental services for Charleston-area fathers and families on a sliding-fee scale. Fetter serves patients from the Calhoun Street main location and area sites. Call during weekday hours to schedule an appointment. Bring a photo ID, insurance card if any, proof of income for sliding-fee eligibility, and a current medication list to your first visit.

843-722-4112 · 40 Calhoun St #500, Charleston, SC 29401 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

10. Tandem Health – Rock Hill — Paid

Community health center providing primary care, dental, and behavioral health services for Rock Hill-area fathers and families on a sliding-fee scale. Tandem sees patients at the North Cherry Road main location and satellite sites. Call weekdays to schedule an appointment. Bring a photo ID, insurance card if any, proof of income for sliding-fee eligibility, and a list of current medications to your first visit.

803-329-5900 · 907 N Cherry Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. HopeHealth – Florence — Paid

Federally qualified health center with primary care, dental, and behavioral health services in the Pee Dee. HopeHealth operates on a sliding-fee scale and serves Florence-area fathers and families from the North Irby Street main site and area clinics. Call weekdays to schedule an appointment. Bring a photo ID, insurance card if any, proof of income for sliding-fee eligibility, and a current medication list to the visit.

843-667-9414 · 360 N Irby St, Florence, SC 29501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Beaufort-Jasper-Hampton Comprehensive Health — Paid

Community health center serving Lowcountry fathers and families with primary care, dental, and behavioral health services on a sliding-fee scale. The center operates clinics anchored on Ribaut Road in Beaufort and satellite sites across the region. Call weekdays to schedule an appointment. Bring a photo ID, insurance card if any, proof of income for sliding-fee eligibility, and a current medication list to the visit.

843-525-0128 · 100 Ribaut Rd, Beaufort, SC 29902 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. SC DHEC – Public Health Services — Free

State public health services including immunizations, family planning, STI screenings, and WIC referrals for South Carolina fathers and families. DHEC operates local health departments across the state anchored on the Bull Street headquarters. Call during weekday hours to schedule services. Bring a photo ID, insurance card if any, and recent pay stubs for fee screening when visiting a local health department.

803-898-3432 · 2600 Bull St, Columbia, SC 29201 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

14. Volunteers in Medicine – Hilton Head — Free

Free primary and specialty care clinic for uninsured working adults on Hilton Head Island and in Beaufort County. Volunteer clinicians see patients at the Northridge Drive facility weekdays. Call the clinic to confirm eligibility and schedule an intake appointment. Bring a photo ID, proof of Beaufort County residency, and recent pay stubs documenting income and employment so staff can complete enrollment and see you.

843-681-6612 · 15 Northridge Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · 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.