Health & Medical Care Help
Community health centers see everyone regardless of insurance. Primary care, dental, vision, and behavioral health on a sliding scale.
What this covers
Community health centers, free clinics, urgent care, primary care, dental care, vision care, prescription assistance, health insurance enrollment (Medicaid, ACA), and telehealth.
Does not cover: Emergency room care (call 911), long-term residential care, or cosmetic procedures. For mental health, see Mental Health. For substance use, see Substance Use & Recovery.
Who is this for?
Anyone who needs medical care, regardless of insurance status. Community health centers serve everyone on a sliding scale.
How help usually works
Community health centers offer primary care, dental, and sometimes vision on a sliding-scale fee based on income. Free clinics provide care at no cost. Most require an appointment but some have walk-in hours.
Best first steps
- If this is a medical emergency, call 911.
- Search for a community health center near your ZIP — they must see you regardless of insurance or ability to pay.
- If you need help enrolling in Medicaid or ACA insurance, many health centers have enrollment navigators on-site.
- For prescription help, ask your clinic about patient assistance programs or $4 generic drug lists.
What to bring
Any insurance cards you have, a list of current medications, and a photo ID. If you don't have insurance, that's okay — sliding-scale clinics will still see you.
Emergency vs. standard help
Emergency: Call 911 or go to the nearest ER. Standard: Schedule an appointment at a community health center for ongoing primary care.
Example Health Resources
Enter your ZIP code above to see resources near you. Here are some examples:
New York area
VNS Health
Community-based health services including home care, behavioral health, and care coordination for underserved New Yorkers.
220 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017
Mon-Fri 8am-6pm
Goddard Riverside
Community center offering health services, senior programs, youth support, and homeless outreach on the Upper West Side.
593 Columbus Avenue, New York, NY 10024
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Chicago area
CommunityHealth
Free primary care clinic for uninsured Chicagoans. Staffed by volunteer physicians and healthcare professionals.
2611 W Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622
Mon-Sat, hours vary by clinic
Mesa area
Adelante Healthcare
Affordable primary care, dental, and behavioral health for underserved communities in the Phoenix metro area.
1705 W Main Street, Mesa, AZ 85201
Mon-Fri 7am-7pm, Sat 8am-5pm
Boston area
Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program
Medical, dental, and behavioral health care for people experiencing homelessness at shelters and clinics across Boston.
780 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, shelter clinics vary
Detroit area
Advantage Health Centers
Community health center providing primary care, dental, and behavioral health in Detroit.
3031 W Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm