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 Tennessee

17 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 Tennessee

Tennessee circuit and chancery courts hear family matters in each of its 31 judicial districts, with some counties operating juvenile courts for unmarried-parent custody. Tennessee Child Support Services operates under DHS. Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga are the major metros. Legal Aid of East Tennessee, Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands, Memphis Area Legal Services, and West Tennessee Legal Services cover the state.

17 Resources

1. TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid) — Free

Tennessee's Medicaid program providing comprehensive health coverage to eligible low-income individuals, families, children, and pregnant women, including medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy benefits. Apply online through the One DHS portal or at a local DHS office. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income, and proof of Tennessee residency. Eligibility is based on income, household size, and other criteria.

1-855-259-0701 · 310 Great Circle Rd, Nashville, TN 37243 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Healthcare.gov - Tennessee Marketplace — Free

Federal health insurance marketplace where Tennessee residents can compare and enroll in ACA-compliant health plans during open enrollment or a special enrollment period. Premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions are available based on household income. Have your Social Security number, household income estimate, and current insurance information ready when applying. Certified assisters statewide can help Tennessee residents apply at no charge.

1-800-318-2596 · Online resource · Online 24/7; phone 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Neighborhood Health (Nashville) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center providing primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services at 12 Nashville locations regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Sliding-scale fees are based on household income. New patients should call to schedule an intake appointment and bring photo ID, proof of income, insurance cards if available, and a list of current medications. Same-day and walk-in appointments may be available at select locations.

615-227-3000 · Multiple Nashville locations · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; some Saturday hours · Visit Website

4. Christ Community Health Services (Memphis) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center serving Memphis and Shelby County with affordable primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services at 7 locations. Sliding-scale fees are available based on household income. New patients should call to schedule an intake appointment and bring photo ID, proof of income, insurance cards including TennCare if applicable, and a list of current medications. Services are available regardless of insurance or ability to pay.

901-260-8500 · Multiple Memphis locations · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Cherokee Health Systems (Knoxville) — Paid

Large Federally Qualified Health Center serving East Tennessee with integrated primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services at 90+ locations on a sliding fee scale based on income. New patients should call to schedule an intake and bring photo ID, proof of income, insurance cards including TennCare, and a list of current medications. Same-day behavioral health visits are often available integrated with primary care appointments.

865-544-0163 · Multiple East Tennessee locations · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Erlanger Health System (Chattanooga) — Paid

Public health system and Level I trauma center serving the Chattanooga area with community health centers, primary care clinics, specialty care, and hospital services. Financial assistance programs are available for uninsured and underinsured patients. New patients should call to schedule an appointment and bring photo ID, insurance cards including TennCare, proof of income, and a list of current medications. Financial counselors can assist with charity care applications.

423-778-7000 · 975 E 3rd St, Chattanooga, TN 37403 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. CoverKids (Tennessee CHIP) — Free

Free or low-cost health insurance coverage for uninsured children under 19 in Tennessee families that earn too much to qualify for TennCare but cannot afford private insurance. Covers medical, dental, vision, mental health, and prescription benefits. Apply by phone, online through the One DHS portal, or at a local DHS office. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for the children, proof of income, and proof of Tennessee residency when applying.

1-866-620-8864 · Apply online or by phone · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

8. Tennessee Primary Care Association — Paid

Network of Federally Qualified Health Centers across Tennessee providing affordable primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services at 240+ sites regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Sliding-scale fees are based on household income. Use the online locator at tnpca.org to find the nearest health center by ZIP code. New patients should call the specific center to schedule an intake appointment and bring photo ID and proof of income.

615-329-3700 · Find a health center by zip code on website · Varies by location · Visit Website

9. One DHS (Tennessee Benefits Portal) — Free

Tennessee's online benefits portal where residents can apply for TennCare, SNAP food assistance, TANF cash assistance, and child care subsidies in a single application. Existing recipients can check benefit status, report changes, and upload documents. Have photo ID, Social Security numbers for all household members, proof of income for the past 30 days, and a current utility bill or lease ready when applying online at onedhs.tn.gov.

866-311-4287 · Online resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

10. Volunteers in Medicine - Clarksville — Free

Free medical clinic serving uninsured working adults in the Clarksville and Montgomery County area with primary care, chronic disease management, and health education provided by volunteer healthcare professionals. Appointments are required; call during business hours to schedule. Bring photo ID, proof of residence in the service area, and a list of current medications. Services are free for eligible uninsured adult patients who meet income and residency criteria.

931-645-2211 · 511 N 8th St, Clarksville, TN 37040 · Mon-Fri; appointment required

11. Church Health (Memphis) — Paid

Faith-based health system providing affordable medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and wellness services for uninsured and underinsured Memphis residents. Sliding-scale fees are based on household income. New patients should call to schedule an intake appointment and bring photo ID, proof of income, proof of Memphis-area residency, and a list of current medications. Church Health also offers chronic disease management, fitness programs, and nutrition counseling.

901-272-7170 · 1350 Concourse Ave, Memphis, TN 38104 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Siloam Health (Nashville) — Paid

Nashville community health center providing medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services to uninsured and underserved patients, with a focus on immigrant and refugee populations. Sliding-scale fees are based on household income. New patients should call to schedule an intake appointment and bring photo ID, proof of income, and a list of current medications. Interpreter services are available for patients who speak languages other than English.

615-298-5406 · 930 Dr Richard Adams Dr, Nashville, TN 37207 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. RAM (Remote Area Medical) - Tennessee Clinics — Free

Volunteer organization providing free dental, vision, and medical services at large-scale pop-up clinics held across Tennessee, with an emphasis on rural and underserved communities. Clinics are first-come, first-served with no insurance required. Check the RAM website for the next scheduled Tennessee event date and location; arriving early is strongly recommended as capacity is limited. Bring photo ID if available, though it is not required to receive services.

865-579-1530 · 2450 Volunteer Pkwy, Knoxville, TN 37914 · Event-based; check schedule · Visit Website

14. Tennessee Department of Health - Local Clinics — Paid

County health departments operating in all 95 Tennessee counties providing immunizations, STI testing and treatment, family planning, WIC services, TB testing, and other public health and preventive wellness services. Fees are often low or waived for qualifying patients. Call your county health department to confirm current services, hours, and appointment requirements. Bring photo ID, insurance cards if available, and relevant medical history.

615-741-3111 · County health departments statewide · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

15. Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center (Nashville) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center serving Nashville's underserved communities with comprehensive primary care, dental, behavioral health, WIC nutrition services, and pharmacy on a sliding fee scale. New patients should call to schedule an intake appointment and bring photo ID, proof of income, insurance cards including TennCare if applicable, and a list of current medications. Same-day appointments may be available for urgent primary care needs.

615-327-9400 · 1035 14th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

16. St. Thomas Health - Free Clinic (Nashville) — Paid

Ascension Saint Thomas Health System provides charity care programs and financial assistance for uninsured and underinsured patients at Nashville-area hospital and clinic locations. Patients can apply for the charity care program through the financial counseling department. Bring photo ID, proof of income, Social Security card, and documentation of current medical needs to the financial assistance application appointment. Staff can also help identify TennCare or marketplace insurance eligibility.

615-222-2111 · 4220 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

17. Good Samaritan Health Center (Johnson City) — Free

Free health clinic serving uninsured adults in the Johnson City and Washington County area with primary care, chronic disease management, and health education provided by volunteer healthcare professionals. Appointments are required; call during business hours to schedule. Bring photo ID, proof of residence in the service area, and a list of current medications. Services are free for eligible uninsured adult patients who meet the income and residency requirements.

423-232-1560 · 110 W Pine St, Johnson City, TN 37604 · Mon-Fri; appointment required

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.