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 Vermont

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 Vermont

Vermont's Family Division of the Superior Court handles all family matters statewide. The Office of Child Support Services operates under DCF. Burlington, South Burlington, Rutland, and Essex are the largest towns. Vermont Legal Aid and Legal Services Vermont (a nonprofit partner) provide civil legal aid, including a joint statewide Family Law helpline.

14 Resources

1. Vermont Medicaid (Green Mountain Care) — Free

State Medicaid program providing free or low-cost health coverage to low-income Vermont families including parents, children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Fathers can apply online at Vermont Health Connect, by phone, or at the Waterbury DVHA office. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for household, proof of income, and lease or mortgage documents. Coverage is often retroactive up to 3 months.

(800) 250-8427 · 280 State Dr, Waterbury, VT 05671 · Mon-Fri 7:45am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Dr. Dynasaur (Vermont CHIP) — Free

Vermont's Children's Health Insurance Program provides free or low-cost coverage to children up to age 18 and pregnant women in households up to 300% of federal poverty. Fathers can apply online through Vermont Health Connect or at DVHA. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards, proof of income, and the child's birth certificate. Coverage includes well-child visits, immunizations, dental, vision, and mental health care.

(800) 250-8427 · Statewide program · Mon-Fri 7:45am-4:30pm · Visit Website

3. Community Health Centers of Burlington — Paid

Federally qualified health center providing affordable primary care, dental, pharmacy, behavioral health, and women's health services on a sliding-scale basis. Fathers can schedule appointments at the Riverside Ave clinic by phone. Bring photo ID, insurance information (if any), and proof of income for sliding-scale eligibility. No one is turned away for inability to pay; Medicaid and most commercial plans are accepted.

(802) 864-6309 · 617 Riverside Ave, Burlington, VT 05401 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Vermont Health Connect — Free

State health insurance marketplace for Vermonters to compare and enroll in qualified health plans and apply for Medicaid, Dr. Dynasaur, and premium tax credits. Fathers can apply online, by phone, or with an in-person assister. Bring photo ID, Social Security numbers for household, income documentation, and current insurance information. Open enrollment runs annually; qualifying life events allow special enrollment.

(855) 899-9600 · Statewide service · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. UVM Medical Center — Paid

Vermont's largest hospital and academic medical center offering comprehensive primary, specialty, and emergency care on Colchester Ave in Burlington. Fathers can schedule appointments by phone, find a provider online, or visit the 24/7 emergency department. Bring photo ID, insurance card, and a list of current medications. Financial counselors help families without insurance apply for coverage or payment plans.

(802) 847-0000 · 111 Colchester Ave, Burlington, VT 05401 · 24/7 ER; clinics Mon-Fri · Visit Website

6. Bi-State Primary Care Association — Free

Statewide association supporting Vermont and New Hampshire community health centers with training, advocacy, and policy work. Fathers looking for a sliding-scale primary care home can use the Bi-State website to find federally qualified health centers across Vermont. The Montpelier office provides directories and general information. Calls to member health centers directly will start new-patient intake for families.

(802) 229-0002 · 61 Elm St, Montpelier, VT 05602 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Northern Counties Health Care — Paid

Federally qualified community health center serving the rural Northeast Kingdom with primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services. Fathers can schedule appointments at the Newport Prouty Dr office or other locations by phone. Bring photo ID, insurance information, and proof of income. Sliding-scale fees available; no one turned away for inability to pay. Medicaid and most commercial plans accepted.

(802) 334-3216 · 189 Prouty Dr, Newport, VT 05855 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Rutland Regional Medical Center — Paid

Full-service community hospital and health system serving central Vermont with primary care, specialty services, surgery, mental health, and 24/7 emergency care on Allen St. Fathers can schedule appointments by phone or use the hospital's online provider finder. Bring photo ID, insurance card, and a current medication list. Financial counselors help uninsured patients apply for coverage or set up payment plans.

(802) 775-7111 · 160 Allen St, Rutland, VT 05701 · 24/7 ER; clinics Mon-Fri · Visit Website

9. Brattleboro Memorial Hospital — Paid

Community hospital providing comprehensive primary care, surgical services, and 24/7 emergency care to Windham County residents. Fathers can schedule appointments at the Belmont Ave campus or affiliated clinics by phone. Bring photo ID, insurance card, and a medication list. Financial assistance is available for uninsured or underinsured patients; ask at registration about eligibility and payment plans.

(802) 257-0341 · 17 Belmont Ave, Brattleboro, VT 05301 · 24/7 ER; clinics Mon-Fri · Visit Website

10. Northwestern Medical Center — St. Albans — Paid

Community hospital and affiliated clinics serving Franklin and Grand Isle Counties with primary care, specialty services, and 24/7 emergency care. Fathers can schedule appointments at the Fairfield St campus by phone. Bring photo ID, insurance card, and a medication list. Financial counselors help uninsured or underinsured patients apply for coverage or payment plans. Medicaid and most commercial plans accepted.

(802) 524-5911 · 133 Fairfield St, St. Albans, VT 05478 · 24/7 ER; clinics Mon-Fri · Visit Website

11. Copley Hospital — Morrisville — Paid

Critical access community hospital serving Lamoille County with primary care, specialty services, orthopedics, and 24/7 emergency care on Washington Hwy. Fathers can schedule visits by phone or find providers online. Bring photo ID, insurance card, and a medication list. Financial counselors help uninsured families apply for coverage or payment plans. Medicaid and most commercial plans are accepted.

(802) 888-8888 · 528 Washington Hwy, Morrisville, VT 05661 · 24/7 ER; clinics Mon-Fri · Visit Website

12. Southwestern Vermont Medical Center — Bennington — Paid

Regional hospital and health system serving Bennington County and surrounding southwestern Vermont with primary care, specialty services, surgery, and 24/7 emergency care on Hospital Dr. Fathers can schedule appointments by phone. Bring photo ID, insurance card, and a medication list. Financial assistance is available for qualifying uninsured patients; ask registration about eligibility and payment plans.

(802) 442-6361 · 100 Hospital Dr, Bennington, VT 05201 · 24/7 ER; clinics Mon-Fri · Visit Website

13. Health Care and Rehabilitation Services — HCRS — Paid

Designated community agency providing mental health, substance use, and developmental services in southeastern Vermont's Windham and Windsor Counties. Fathers can call the Brattleboro S Main St office to schedule intake for outpatient therapy, psychiatry, children's programs, and crisis response. Bring photo ID and insurance information. Sliding-scale fees available; Medicaid and most commercial plans accepted.

(802) 254-6028 · 105 S Main St, Brattleboro, VT 05301 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. OneCare Vermont — Free

Vermont's accountable care organization coordinating health care for Medicaid and Medicare patients across the state to improve outcomes and lower costs. Fathers enrolled with participating providers benefit from care coordination across hospitals, primary care, and community services. The Montpelier office handles partner operations rather than direct patient care. Questions should first go to your primary care provider.

(802) 399-7600 · 53 State St, Montpelier, VT 05602 · 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.