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 Virginia

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 Virginia

Virginia has Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts handling custody, visitation, and child support (for unmarried parents and modifications), plus Circuit Courts handling divorce. The Division of Child Support Enforcement operates under DSS. Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Richmond, Arlington, and Alexandria are the largest cities. Central Virginia Legal Aid, Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia, and other regional LSC programs cover the state.

16 Resources

1. Virginia Medicaid (DMAS) — Free

Virginia's public health insurance program providing comprehensive coverage including medical, dental, vision, mental health, and substance abuse services to eligible low-income individuals, families, children, and pregnant women. Virginia expanded Medicaid in 2019 covering adults up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Apply through CommonHelp online or call 1-855-242-8282. Enrollment is available year-round with no open enrollment period required for qualifying Virginia residents.

1-855-242-8282 · 600 E Broad St, Suite 1300, Richmond, VA 23219 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Healthcare.gov - Virginia Marketplace — Free

Federal health insurance marketplace for Virginia residents to compare and enroll in ACA-compliant health insurance plans. Financial assistance in the form of premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions is available based on income. Open enrollment runs from November through January with special enrollment periods for qualifying life events. Call 1-800-318-2596 any time or visit healthcare.gov to compare plans, estimate costs, and enroll in coverage.

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

3. Neighborhood Health (Northern VA) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center providing primary care, dental, behavioral health, and OB/GYN services at 14 sites across Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William County. Sliding fee scale available for uninsured and underinsured patients. Medicaid, Medicare, and most private insurance accepted. Same-day and next-day appointments may be available. Call 703-535-5568 to find the nearest location and schedule an appointment. Services available regardless of ability to pay.

703-535-5568 · 6677 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306 (and other locations) · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; some evening/Saturday hours · Visit Website

4. Daily Planet Health Services (Richmond) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center providing primary care, dental care, behavioral health services, and social services to underserved Richmond residents regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Sliding fee scale based on income ensures services are accessible to all. Medicaid and most insurance accepted. Located on West Grace Street in Richmond. Call 804-783-0678 to schedule an appointment. Walk-in hours may be available for urgent primary care needs.

804-783-0678 · 517 W Grace St, Richmond, VA 23220 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Eastern Virginia Medical School - Ghent Family Medicine — Paid

Academic health center providing affordable primary care, pediatrics, and family medicine services for Norfolk-area residents on a sliding fee scale based on income. Patients are seen by EVMS medical residents and faculty physicians. Services include preventive care, chronic disease management, and routine health screenings. Medicaid and most insurance accepted. Call 757-446-5910 to schedule an appointment. Located on Kempsville Road in Norfolk near Virginia Beach.

757-446-5910 · 886 Kempsville Rd, Norfolk, VA 23502 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Virginia Association of Free & Charitable Clinics — Free

Network of over 60 free and charitable clinics across Virginia providing primary care, dental care, vision services, prescription assistance, and mental health services to uninsured and underinsured residents at no cost. Use the clinic finder on the website to locate the nearest free clinic by county. No insurance or ID typically required. Clinic hours and available services vary by location. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether your specific health needs can be addressed.

804-204-5450 · Find a free clinic on website by county · Varies by clinic · Visit Website

7. FAMIS (Family Access to Medical Insurance Security) — Free

Low-cost health coverage program for uninsured children and pregnant women in Virginia families with income too high for Medicaid but unable to afford private insurance. Coverage includes doctor visits, dental, vision, mental health, and prescription drugs. Monthly premiums are low and based on income. Apply through CommonHelp online or call 1-866-873-2647. Coverage is available year-round with no waiting period for most children. Bring income information and Social Security numbers when applying.

1-866-873-2647 · Apply via CommonHelp or by phone · Mon-Fri 8am-7pm · Visit Website

8. Virginia Health Information (VHI) — Free

Nonprofit helping Virginians find affordable health insurance and understand their coverage options including Medicaid, marketplace ACA plans, FAMIS, and employer-sponsored plans. VHI provides unbiased guidance to help residents compare costs and benefits. Certified enrollment assisters are available to help complete applications. Call 1-800-533-1815 or visit the Richmond office for in-person help. Services are free and available to all Virginia residents seeking health insurance guidance.

1-800-533-1815 · 102 N 5th St, Richmond, VA 23219 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Virginia Poison Control Center — Free

24/7 free emergency guidance for poisoning emergencies anywhere in Virginia. Call 800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect someone has been exposed to a toxic substance including medications, household chemicals, plants, or other materials. Trained toxicologists and pharmacists provide immediate guidance and can advise whether a trip to the emergency room is needed. The line is staffed around the clock every day of the year. Keep this number posted in your home for fast access.

800-222-1222 · 24/7/365 · Visit Website

10. NeedyMeds – VA Prescription Help — Free

Database of patient assistance programs offering free or deeply discounted prescription medications from pharmaceutical manufacturers. Search by drug name to find programs you may qualify for. Many programs are free for uninsured or underinsured Virginia residents who meet income requirements. NeedyMeds also lists coupons, generic programs, and disease-specific foundations. Visit needymeds.org and search by medication name or browse categories to find available assistance programs.

800-503-6897 · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

11. CrossOver Healthcare Ministry (Richmond) — Free

Free clinic providing primary care, dental care, pharmacy services, and specialty referrals to uninsured and underinsured Richmond residents at no cost. CrossOver accepts patients regardless of insurance status and offers services through volunteer physicians and staff. Located on Cowardin Avenue in Richmond. Call 804-655-2794 to inquire about current eligibility requirements and how to register as a new patient. Services are available Monday through Friday during clinic hours.

804-655-2794 · 108 Cowardin Ave, Richmond, VA 23224 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Portsmouth Community Health Center (FQHC) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center serving Portsmouth and the Hampton Roads area with primary care, dental services, and behavioral health treatment. Sliding fee scale available for uninsured and underinsured patients to ensure services are accessible regardless of income. Medicaid and most insurance accepted. Located on High Street in Portsmouth. Call 757-393-8506 to schedule an appointment or inquire about current services and sliding fee eligibility requirements for new patients.

757-393-8506 · 1701 High St, Portsmouth, VA 23704 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

13. Piedmont Health District FQHCs — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Centers serving rural central Virginia communities in the Piedmont region with primary care, dental services, and behavioral health treatment. Sliding fee scale available for uninsured and low-income patients. Medicaid and most insurance accepted. Multiple locations serving Piedmont area counties. Call 434-947-6797 or visit the Virginia Department of Health Piedmont page to find the nearest FQHC location and schedule a primary care appointment.

434-947-6797 · Multiple Piedmont region locations · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Planned Parenthood of Virginia — Paid

Reproductive healthcare including birth control, STI testing and treatment, cancer screenings, pregnancy testing, and primary care at multiple Virginia locations. Sliding fee scale based on income for uninsured patients. Medicaid and most insurance accepted. Call 800-230-7526 to find the nearest Virginia location and schedule an appointment. Staff can assist with insurance navigation and applying for programs to reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs for qualifying patients.

800-230-7526 · Multiple VA locations · Hours vary · Visit Website

15. RxAssist – Virginia — Free

Pharmaceutical patient assistance program database helping patients find free or low-cost prescription medications. Search by drug name at rxassist.org to find manufacturer-sponsored programs and other assistance options. Many programs are available to uninsured Virginia residents who meet income requirements. The database is free to use and updated regularly. Also lists state pharmaceutical assistance programs and Medicare Extra Help resources for seniors needing help affording medications.

Online 24/7 · Visit Website

16. Horizon Health (Harrisonburg FQHC) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center serving the Harrisonburg area and Shenandoah Valley with primary care, dental services, and behavioral health treatment on a sliding fee scale. Services are accessible to uninsured and low-income patients with fees adjusted based on household income. Medicaid and most insurance accepted. Located in Harrisonburg. Call 540-434-2300 to schedule a new patient appointment and inquire about sliding fee eligibility and available services.

540-434-2300 · Harrisonburg, VA · 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.