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 Washington

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 Washington

Washington superior courts handle family matters in each of its 39 counties. The Division of Child Support operates under DSHS. Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, and Bellevue are the major metros. Northwest Justice Project is the statewide LSC-funded program, with Snohomish County Legal Services, Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Volunteer Legal Services, and King County Bar providing local support.

16 Resources

1. Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) — Free

Washington's Medicaid program providing free or low-cost health coverage to low-income individuals, families, children, and pregnant women. Dads who are uninsured or underinsured may qualify based on household income and size. Coverage includes doctor visits, hospital care, dental, vision, prescriptions, and mental health services. Apply online at WashingtonConnection.org, by phone at 1-800-562-3022, or at a local DSHS office. Have photo ID, Social Security numbers, and proof of income ready.

1-800-562-3022 · 626 8th Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Washington Healthplanfinder (ACA Marketplace) — Free

Washington's state-based health insurance marketplace for comparing and enrolling in ACA-compliant health plans. Financial assistance including premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions is available based on income. Dads can browse plans, compare costs, and enroll during open enrollment or after qualifying life events. Visit wahealthplanfinder.org or call 1-855-923-4633 Mon-Fri 7:30am-5:30pm. Have income information, household size, and Social Security numbers ready when applying.

1-855-923-4633 · Online resource · Online 24/7; phone Mon-Fri 7:30am-5:30pm · Visit Website

3. HealthPoint (King County) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center providing primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy at 12 locations across King County on a sliding fee scale based on income. Dads who are uninsured or underinsured are welcome. Accepts Apple Health Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, and self-pay with reduced fees. Call 206-363-4330 to schedule an appointment at the nearest location. Bring photo ID and insurance card if available; proof of income for sliding fee discount. Some evening and Saturday hours offered.

206-363-4330 · Multiple King County locations · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; some evening/Saturday hours · Visit Website

4. Sea Mar Community Health Centers — Paid

Large Federally Qualified Health Center network providing primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy at 90+ locations across Western Washington regardless of insurance status. Dads are seen on a sliding fee scale based on income. Accepts Apple Health Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, and self-pay. Culturally and linguistically diverse staff serve Latino and other communities. Call 206-763-5277 or visit seamar.org to find the nearest clinic and schedule an appointment.

206-763-5277 · Multiple Western WA locations · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; some Saturday hours · Visit Website

5. Community Health Care (Tacoma) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center serving Pierce County with affordable primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy at multiple locations on a sliding fee scale based on income. Dads who are uninsured or underinsured can receive care regardless of ability to pay. Accepts Apple Health Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, and self-pay. Call 253-597-3813 to schedule an appointment at the nearest location. Bring photo ID and insurance card; proof of income needed for sliding fee discount.

253-597-3813 · 1202 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Tacoma, WA 98405 (and other locations) · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. CHAS Health (Spokane) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center providing primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy at 15+ locations across Eastern Washington on a sliding fee scale based on income. Dads who are uninsured or underinsured are welcome regardless of ability to pay. Accepts Apple Health Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, and self-pay. Call 509-444-8200 to schedule an appointment at a Spokane-area location. Bring photo ID and insurance card; proof of income required for the sliding fee discount.

509-444-8200 · Multiple Spokane-area locations · Mon-Fri 7am-6pm

7. Washington CHIP (Children's Health Insurance) — Free

Free or low-cost health coverage for uninsured children under 19 in Washington families earning too much for Medicaid but lacking affordable employer coverage. Part of Apple Health, Washington's Medicaid program. Dads can apply on behalf of their children online at WashingtonConnection.org or by calling 1-800-562-3022. Coverage includes doctor visits, dental, vision, prescriptions, and mental health care. Have Social Security numbers, proof of income, and household size information ready when applying.

1-800-562-3022 · Apply via Washington Healthplanfinder or by phone · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Washington Association of Community Health Centers — Paid

Statewide network of 27 Federally Qualified Health Centers operating 300+ sites across Washington providing affordable healthcare regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Dads can use the website locator to find the nearest health center by ZIP code. Member FQHCs offer primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services on a sliding fee scale. Accepts Apple Health Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, and self-pay. Call 360-786-9722 or visit wacmhc.org for the health center directory.

360-786-9722 · Find a health center on website by zip code · Varies by location · Visit Website

9. Neighborcare Health (Seattle) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center providing primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy at 30+ locations across Seattle and King County on a sliding fee scale based on income. Dads without insurance or with limited coverage can be seen regardless of ability to pay. Accepts Apple Health Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, and self-pay. Call 206-548-3000 or visit neighborcare.org to find the nearest location and schedule an appointment. Some evening hours available at select sites.

206-548-3000 · Multiple Seattle-area locations · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; some evening hours · Visit Website

10. International Community Health Services (Seattle) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center providing culturally and linguistically appropriate primary care, dental, and behavioral health to diverse Seattle communities including Asian and Pacific Islander populations. Dads are seen on a sliding fee scale regardless of insurance status. Accepts Apple Health Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, and self-pay. Located at 720 8th Ave S, Suite 100, Seattle. Call 206-788-3700 to schedule an appointment. Bring photo ID and insurance card; proof of income needed for sliding fee discount.

206-788-3700 · 720 8th Ave S, Suite 100, Seattle, WA 98104 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic — Paid

Large Federally Qualified Health Center network providing primary care, dental, and behavioral health at 40+ locations across Central Washington and Oregon including Yakima, Sunnyside, Toppenish, and surrounding communities. Dads are seen on a sliding fee scale regardless of insurance status. Accepts Apple Health Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, and self-pay. Call 509-865-5898 or visit yvfwc.org to find the nearest location. Bring photo ID and insurance card; proof of income needed for sliding fee discount.

509-865-5898 · Multiple Central WA locations · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

12. Cowlitz Family Health Center (Longview) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center serving Cowlitz County with affordable primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services on a sliding fee scale based on income. Dads in the Longview-Kelso area are welcome regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Accepts Apple Health Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, and self-pay. Located at 1057 12th Ave, Longview. Call 360-636-3892 to schedule an appointment. Bring photo ID and insurance card; proof of income needed for sliding fee discount.

360-636-3892 · 1057 12th Ave, Longview, WA 98632 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Columbia Valley Community Health (Wenatchee) — Paid

Federally Qualified Health Center providing affordable primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy to families in the Wenatchee Valley and North Central Washington. Dads are seen on a sliding fee scale regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Accepts Apple Health Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, and self-pay. Located at 600 Orondo Ave, Suite 1, Wenatchee. Call 509-662-6000 to schedule an appointment. Bring photo ID and insurance card; proof of income needed for sliding fee discount.

509-662-6000 · 600 Orondo Ave, Suite 1, Wenatchee, WA 98801 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest — Paid

Reproductive healthcare, STI testing, and preventive screenings at multiple Washington locations on a sliding fee scale based on income. Services include STI and HIV testing, birth control, annual exams, cancer screenings, and gender-affirming care. Dads can access STI testing and other preventive services. Accepts Apple Health Medicaid, most private insurance, and self-pay with reduced fees. Call 1-800-769-0045 or visit the website to find the nearest Washington location and schedule an appointment.

1-800-769-0045 · Multiple WA locations · Varies by location · Visit Website

15. Washington Prescription Drug Assistance — Free

State program helping eligible Washington residents afford prescription medications through manufacturer patient assistance programs, discount cards, and state drug assistance options. Dads on fixed or low incomes can explore savings through the Washington State Rx program or get help enrolling in the Extra Help federal program for Medicare Part D. Call the Washington State Health Care Authority at 1-800-562-3022 or visit hca.wa.gov for a list of current drug assistance programs and eligibility requirements.

1-800-562-3022 · Online and phone resource · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

16. Community Health Plan of Washington — Free

Nonprofit Medicaid managed care plan serving Apple Health members across Washington with coordinated primary care, specialty care, and behavioral health services. Dads enrolled in Apple Health Medicaid may be assigned to Community Health Plan for managed care coordination. Members receive a primary care provider, referrals to specialists, and access to mental health and substance use services. Call 1-800-440-1561 for member services Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit chpw.org for a provider directory and plan information.

1-800-440-1561 · Statewide (serves Apple Health members) · 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.