If you can’t afford to visit a doctor, then you need to know about free clinics! There are free, sliding-scale and low-cost health care clinics all over the United States if you know where to look. We’ll show you where to go!
What You Need to Know about Free Clinics
Health care is notoriously complicated in the United States, so before we introduce you to the list of free clinics in your area, it’s important to understand a few things about how this system works.
Most free clinics are income-based.
There are many different types of free clinics. Often, the health care center will offer a variety of services on a sliding scale based on income. So while a certain clinic may be free for you, it may not be free for someone with a higher income. It just depends on your individual situation.
Free clinics may not be available all the time.
Some providers and/or charities offer mobile, pop-up, or single-day free clinic events. While many of the clinics in our list have a static location and may always be available, some many be temporary. It’s important to carefully read the details.
We have fact-checked this information and presented it to the best of our knowledge, but it’s always your responsibility to verify the information before you schedule an appointment.
You can get emergency services at a hospital even if you’re uninsured.
It’s also important to remember that hospitals in the United States have to provide emergency treatment to patients whether or not they are insured. In 1986, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act was enacted to ensure that everyone could access emergency services even if they couldn’t afford to pay for it. Emergency services include active labor.
Free Clinics Across the United States
There are literally thousands of free clinics across the United States. In this section, we’ll address nationwide chains and websites that can help you find a local clinic. For a state-by-state list, check the “free clinics near you” section below.
HRSA Health Centers
The US Health Resources and Services Administration maintains a database of HRSA-funded health care clinics across the United States on their website. You can also contact the HRSA Contact Center at 877-464-4772 on weekdays between 8am and 8pm ET.
In order to become an HRSA-funded health care center, the clinic must meet a strict set of requirements. One of those requirements is that they must offer care on a sliding scale cost depending on the patient’s ability to pay. If you can’t afford to pay and meet strict income guidelines, you may be able to get free health care from these centers.
When using this search tool, please note that you will need to type your city or zip code into the location box. The search will default to looking for providers within a 5 mile radius, but you can expand the search to a 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 75, 100 or 250 mile radius if necessary.
Department of Public Health
The Department of Public Health operates public health services that often provide free or low-cost health services for the community. For example, Idaho has seven Public Health Districts that coordinate affordable health care services, WIC nutrition services, and other essential health-related services for low income Idahoans.
Hill-Burton Obligated Facilities
Since 1946, the Hill-Burton regulation has required certain health care facilities to provide free or reduced-cost care to patients who cannot afford to pay. There are about 140 health care facilities nationwide that are currently required to follow these guidelines.
In order to be eligible for coverage under Hill-Burton free care, you need to meet the following requirements:
- You must have an income that is no more than two times the HHS Poverty Guidelines (or three times if the facility is a nursing home).
- You must receive service at a Hill-Burton obligated facility.
- You must be found eligible to receive free or reduced-cost care.
The HRSA maintains a list of Hill-Burton obligated facilities on its website. Please note that there are no Hill-Burton obligated facilities in Alaska, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Wyoming, and any territory except Puerto Rico.
Veteran’s Health Administration
Veterans may be able to receive free or reduced-cost treatment through the Department of Veterans Affairs. There are 1,700 health care facilities for veterans around the country. You can find a full list of facilities at va.gov.
Diagnosis-Based Free Clinics
Patients who have been diagnosed with certain illnesses may be able to receive free specialized care from specific health care centers in the United States. In order to receive assistance through these programs, you must meet strict eligibility criteria.
Black Lung Clinics exist to help treat coal miners with lung diseases caused by inhaling coal mine dust. The Black Lung Clinics serve active, inactive, retired and disabled US Coal Miners with primary care, benefits counseling, pulmonary rehabilitation and more. There are Black Lung Clinics in 11 states: Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.
The Ryan White Care Program helps low income people get HIV treatment and support. You can use this interactive map to find a Ryan White Care Program provider near you.
Free Clinics Near You
Most participating clinics are small, local organizations that operate in a specific city our county. As a result, our list will be organized alphabetically by state so that you can easily find the clinics that serve your area.
Please note that some of these clinics may not be completely free. However, they offer sliding-scale rates that could be free if you meet specific income guidelines and other requirements.
Alabama
Alabama Free Clinic (Baldwin County)
Alabama Free Clinic provides free medical care and health programs for uninsured adults. This volunteer group works in three different locations across Baldwin County to make it easier for people to access their services.
Central North Alabama Health Services (North Alabama)
CNAHSI uses a sliding-scale fee model. Depending on your income, your services may be free! The center offers family medicine, checkups, pregnancy care, immunizations, child care, diagnostic testing, prescriptions, mental and substance abuse, dental care and more.
Hands of Hope Health Care Center (Mobile County)
The Hands of Hope Health Care Center is a nonprofit organization that provides health care assistance to low income people throughout Mobile County and the surrounding area. They help people of all ages and health histories. They can also assist with medications and lab work.
Quality of Life Health Services (East Alabama)
Quality of Life Services provides health care, dental and pharmacy services to insured, underinsured and uninsured patients. In order to be eligible for reduced fees under the Sliding-Free Discount Program, you must meet specific requirements including income limits.
There are Quality of Life Health Care Centers in Anniston, Blount, Calhoun, Canterberry, Chambers, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Cullman, Dekalb, Douglas, Gadsden and more.
Alaska
Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center
Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center provides primary health care services to everyone. Their services include medical, dental, pharmacy, lab and x-ray, behavioral health, nutrition, and more.
Camai Community Health Center (Naknek)
The Camai Community Health Center provides health services to the Naknek, King Salmon and South Naknek area.
Arizona
Mayo Clinic (Phoenix area)
The Mayo Clinic offers a free gastroenterology clinic for underserved patients in Phoenix.
St. Vincent de Paul (Phoenix area)
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul offers the only free clinic in Arizona that offers wound care. Treatment for wounds include everything from diabetic foot blisters to trauma from car accidents.
Arkansas
Westside Free Medical Clinic (Little Rock)
Catholic Charities operates the Westside Free Medical Clinic that serves people age 18 and over who are unable to afford routine health care. The services are limited to primary care, diabetic eye exams, physical therapy, dermatology, pharmacy and chiropractic services. Referrals to other specialists are also offered. You must make an appointment on their website.
Harmony Health Clinic (Pulaski County)
Harmony Health Clinic provides a free medical and dental clinic in Little Rock. Services are offered at no cost to patients in this private community clinic.
California
San Francisco Free Clinic (San Francisco)
The San Francisco Free Clinic provides free health care for people without insurance. Their services include primary care, nutrition and stress management.
Lestonnac Free Clinic (Orange County)
Students provide free care to underserved communities in Orange County. The Lestonnac Free Clinic appears to have satellite locations, such as the An Lành Free Clinic.
Colorado
DAWN (Aurora)
DAWN is an independent nonprofit that is staffed almost entirely by volunteers. They have provided primary and specialty care to uninsured adults in Aurora since 2015.
Open Bible Medical (Colorado Springs)
Open Bible Medical Clinic and Pharmacy provides free care and medications to uninsured, low income adults who reside in the Pikes Peak Region of Colorado.
Connecticut
Americares Free Clinics (Danbury, Stamford, Nowalk)
Americares has several free clinics in Connecticut that serve adults who do not have any public or private health insurance. In order to be eligible for service at an Americares clinic, you cannot be eligible for Medicaid. You must meet other income and residency requirements as well.
HAVEN Free Clinic (New Haven)
This student-run clinic provides Primary Care services through a partnership with Yale University.
Delaware
Hope Medical & Dental Clinic Inc. (Dover)
HOPE serves free medical and dental patients to adults between the ages of 18 and 65 who meet strict income guidelines.
St. Francis Center of Hope (Newark)
The St. Francis Center of Hope provides primary care services to people in the Newark area. They especially focus on serving the needs of the local Latinx community.
Florida
Clearwater Free Clinic (Pinellas County)
Uninsured residents of Pinellas County who meet income guidelines may be able to receive free healthcare from Clearwater. Services include office visits, prescriptions, labs and imaging, referrals and more.
St. Petersburg Free Clinic (St. Petersburg)
In addition to providing free health and dental services, St. Petersburg also offers a food bank, housing services and more. They can even help you obtain your IDs, birth certificates, and other critical documents!
Georgia
East Cobb Islamic Center (Marietta)
ECIC offers a free medical lab clinic to uninsured residents. Eligible patients can also receive discounted lab work. You must meet income guidelines.
Free Clinic of Rome (Rome & surrounding counties)
This volunteer-based organization provides primary health care services to eligible low income residents in Bartow, Chattooga, Floyd, Gordon, and Polk Counties.
Place of Hope (Lake City)
In addition to assisting with health care, Place of Hope also assists with food, clothing and other essential needs.
Hawaii
Aloha Free Clinic (Honolulu)
The Aloha Free Clinic was a pop-up health care center that offered free treatment to eligible Hawaiians. However, funding ran out in 2020 and the Aloha Clinic is permanently closed.
Aloha Medical Mission (Honolulu)
The Aloha Medical Mission provides free health care and dental services to low income Hawaiians who do not have access to other health care options. Their dental clinic provides exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions and limited root canal services.
Idaho
Rexburg Free Clinic (Rexburg)
Local individuals and families who need assistance and cannot afford other healthcare options may be able to receive assistance from the Rexburg Clinic.
Heritage Health (North Idaho) – LOW COST, NOT FREE
Heritage Health offers a variety of medical, dental and mental health services. They offer a generous sliding-scale fee schedule for low income patients but their services are not free. For certain services, the fee is as low as $2-$5. You will need to contact them for additional details.
Heritage Health has locations in Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Rathdrum, Kellogg and St. Maries.
Illinois
Illinois Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (Statewide)
You can find a directory of free and charitable clinics in Illinois on the association website at illinoisfreeclinics.org.
Old Irving Park Community Clinic (Chicago)
Old Irving Park Community Clinic provides free primary care and behavioral health services to low income residents in the Chicago area. In order to become a patient, you must have no health insurance of any kind, meet income guidelines, and provide proof of identity and address. The Old Irving Park Clinic does not provide any prenatal or obstetrical care.
Indiana
Heart & Soul Free Clinic (Hamilton County)
In Central Indiana, the Heart & Soul Clinic provides health care to uninsured and underinsured residents. Services include medical, dental and mental health services.
Trinity Free Clinic (Hamilton County)
The Trinity Free Clinic provides medical, vision and dental services to low income patients in Hamilton County. Over 30,000 residents have been served since Trinity began serving patients in 2000.
Iowa
Free Medical Clinic (Iowa City)
The Free Medical Clinic offers assistance with general medical care, specialty care, dental needs, and prescriptions. They do not provide any assistance with mental health services.
Community Health Free Clinic (Cedar Rapids)
The Community Free Health Clinic provides non-emergency help for free with no appointment needed. They also provide assistance with eye exams!
Kansas
JayDoc Free Clinic (Kansas City)
JayDoc is located inside Family Health Care KC. This clinic offers free services to low income uninsured members of the local community.
Kentucky
Family Community Clinic (Louisville)
The Family Community Clinic is funded by donations and contributions. They provide primary health care services to those without insurance.
St. Luke Free Clinic (Hopkinsville)
The St. Luke Free Clinic provides free medical care services, including ongoing care for patients with chronic health conditions like diabetes, hypertension or COPD. They can also provide examinations, prescriptions, and access to lab services as needed.
Louisiana
Open Health (multiple locations)
Open Health offers a sliding-scale fee for low income and uninsured people who need help. Their services include primary care, behavioral health, dental, endocrinology, infections disease, pediatrics, podiatry, social services and more. They have multiple locations.
Arbor Family Health
Arbor Family Health also operates a sliding-scale fee for low income people who are not able to pay much for their own care.
Maine
Portland Community Free Clinic (Cumberland & York Counties)
Adults between the ages of 18 and 65 who live in southern Maine may be able to receive no-cost health care at the Community Clinic.
Oasis Free Clinics (Midcoast)
Uninsured adults in the Midcoast area may be able to receive no-cost health and dental services from Oasis.
Maryland
St. Clare Medical Outreach (Lutherville)
Those without health insurance may be able to receive free primary care, including vaccinations, at this location. The staff is bilingual!
Shepherd’s Clinic (Baltimore)
Those who can’t afford insurance but do not qualify for government assistance may be able to receive free, comprehensive care through the Shepherd’s Clinic. Patients are asked to donate between $3 and $9 for services if they can afford it.
Massachusetts
Worcester Free Care Collaborative (Worcester County)
Through the Worcester Free Care Collaborative, many different locations offer a Free Program that provides exams, sick visits, work physicals, prescription refills, vaccines, and more to uninsured residents of the Worcester County area.
Michigan
You can use the search tool at Free Clinics of Michigan to find no-cost health care providers in this state.
Minnesota
Phillips Neighborhood Clinic (Minneapolis)
The Phillips Neighborhood Clinic is operated by University of Minnesota students who are supervised by licensed clinicians. You do not need an appointment or insurance in order to be treated here. Spanish interpreters are available!
Health of People Everywhere Clinic (Duluth)
The HOPE Clinic provides free acute medical care. This student-run clinic operates out of the CHUM Center.
Mississippi
Good Samaritan Health Services (Lee County)
Eligible working uninsured residents of Lee County may be able to receive free medical, dental and pharmaceutical services at Good Samaritan. You must meet income guidelines and other requirements to receive services.
Central Mississippi Health Services Inc. (Jackson)
CMHS provides services to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay for those services. Unlike many other volunteer clinics, CHMS offers a full range of services including family medical, preventative care, OB/GYN services, pediatric care, behavioral health, mental health, substance abuse, health education, vaccines, cancer screenings, physicals, labs and more.
Missouri
Hannibal Free Clinic (Hannibal)
Hannibal Free Clinic treats low income patients whose incomes do not exceed 150% or less of the federal poverty level. In order to receive services, you need to fill out a patient application form and participate in an intake call. Walk in services are not available.
Sojourner Health Clinic (Kansas City)
This student-run clinic provides free services to over 300 uninsured and underinsured patients every year. For details and updates, check their website.
Montana
Clear Choice Clinic (Kalispel)
The Clear Choice Clinic specializes in pregnancy treatment. They offer testing, limited ultrasounds, STD testing and more. These services are provided free of charge.
Shepherds Hand (Whitefish)
Free medical and dental services are available on certain evenings. Sometimes community meals are also available. For the latest schedule, check their website.
Pennsylvania
Wesley Health Center
Wesley Health Center offers primary care, oral care and retinal screenings for free to patients who are at least 19 years old. They offer services to all residents of southwestern Pennsylvania regardless of their insurance status.
Utah
Doctors Volunteer Clinic (St. George)
The Doctors Volunteer Clinic in St. George has over 35 volunteering doctors. They provide dental, primary care, specialty care and even mental health services to eligible low income patients.
Washington State
SeaMar Community Health Centers ($40 Fee)
SeaMar Community Health Centers serves everyone regardless of their ability to pay. These Community Centers provide medical, dental and behavioral health services. Households that meet Status A income requirements will receive a 100% discount on their services and are asked to pay a nominal fee of $40 for medical services.
However, their sliding scale chart states,
“Sea Mar provides all services regardless of a person’s ability to pay. If a patient is not able to pay the nominal fee or down payment at time of visit, they will be asked to pay any amount they can. All patients will be served whether or not they can pay the nominal fee or down payment.”
Sea Mar 2022 Sliding Fee Scale
Wisconsin
Specialty Care Free Clinic (Madison)
The Specialty Care Free Clinic in Madison covers 20 different specialties. They have over 40 physicians and over 50 additional volunteers who assist. In order to receive help from this clinic, you must be uninsured and referred by a Primary Care provider.
Their services include (but are not limited to):
- Allergy
- Cardiology,
- Dermatology
- Diabetes
- Endocrinology
- Gynecology
- Hepatology
- Internal Medicine
- Mental Health
- Nephrology
- Neurology
- Ophthamology
- Optometry
- Orthopedics
- Physical Therapy
- Podiatry
- Psychiatry
- Pulmonology
- Rheumatology
- Surgery
- Urology
The office does not assist with infertility.
Other Medical Assistance Programs
In addition to receiving treatment at a free clinic, you may be eligible for other medical assistance programs as well.
Prescription Discount Program
There are many prescription discount programs that can help you avoid paying full price for your medications! My favorite is GoodRX, which I have used to save hundreds of dollars on medications over the years. I’ve often found that the GoodRX price is even lower than my insurance copay would be.
Alternatives to Community Clinics
You may be able to use one of these alternatives if you qualify! There are many programs that can help you see other providers for free or reduced cost. It just depends on your individual circumstances.
Apply for Medicaid
You may be able to get free health care through the Medicaid program as well. The 2010 Affordable Care Act empowered states to expand their Medicaid coverage to all adults that meet the income limits. As of this publication, there are 38 states that have adopted that expansion. Unfortunately, that means that 12 states have refused to expand their Medicaid program.
As of this time, the states that are not participating in the Medicaid expansion include:
- Alabama
- Georgia
- Florida
- Kansas
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
All other states have expanded their Medicaid program in some way. For more information about Medicaid and how it can help you get free health care, check out this guide.
Apply for Financial Aid
A lot of hospitals and medical centers have financial aid programs that you can apply for. This is risky, because you usually cannot apply until after treatment is received and there’s no guarantee that you will be approved. As a result, financial aid should be used as a last resort.
Find a DPC Provider Near You (LOW COST – NOT FREE)
A Direct Primary Care (DPC) provider can help you save money on health care. Direct Primary Care providers do not bill insurance and charge a periodic fee for their services. Many DPC doctors choose to charge a flat monthly rate for an unlimited number of visits.
“Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a nationwide movement to “take medicine back,'” explains Dr. Jenna Silakoski, physician and owner of North Idaho Direct Primary Care. “Physicians who practice like this take the middle men out of the system, and put the relationship back between the patient and the physician. It’s a model that’s similar to a gym. For a low monthly fee (my average is about $74 per month) and all primary, urgent, and preventative care (usually 30-60 minute appointments) done in office is at no additional expenses. There are no copays, no deductibles, and no hidden fees. Medicine should be transparent and relationship based.”
According to DPCNation.org, “In DPC, you pay a flat monthly membership fee, usually around the size of your cell phone bill… DPC is like Netflix: you get access to nearly unlimited care for one low monthly price.”
There are approximately 2,000 DPC providers across the United States. Find one near you with the DPC Frontier Mapper
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve received a lot of questions about free clinics. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions. If you don’t see your question addressed here, feel free to ask us in the comments!
What is a free clinic?
A free clinic is a medical, dental, mental health or pharmaceutical organization that offers services for free or cheap to low income people who don’t have health insurance or can’t afford health care services.
Are there free clinics in the US?
There are more than 1,400 free clinics across the United States. These clinics provide a variety of services, including primary care, specialty care, dental services, mental health or therapy treatments, pharmaceuticals and more.
Are free clinics really free?
Free clinics are generally free for very low income patients. Patients with higher incomes may be expected to pay for services based on a sliding-scale, income-based model. Whether or not your care will be free depends on your individual circumstances and provider’s policies.
Do free clinics give prescriptions?
Most free clinics can prescribe medications but the medications usually won’t be free. You can use a tool like GoodRX to help you save money on your prescriptions.
What services do free clinics provide?
Free clinics offer a variety of services, including primary care services, specialty care for chronic diseases like diabetes, and sometimes even dental or mental health services. It depends on what clinic you visit.
Is there a free clinic near me?
There is probably a free clinic near you! The list in this article can help you find the one that is closest to you.
Is the Mayo Clinic free?
Mayo Clinic offers financial assistance to individuals who qualify and cannot afford to pay for services. You may be able to apply for financial aid before or after the medically necessary services are provided through their Charity Care program.
Save Money & Get Free Stuff!
Nicole Thelin
Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.