Community Health Clinics in Forsyth County, NC
If you're looking for community health clinics in Forsyth County, North Carolina, several options may be available to you — including Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), free and charitable clinics, and sliding-scale providers in the Winston-Salem area. These facilities are specifically designed to serve uninsured, underinsured, and low-income patients, and most use income-based fee schedules so that cost is not an automatic barrier to care.
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Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in Forsyth County
FQHCs are community health centers funded in part through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) under Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act. They are legally required to:
- Accept all patients regardless of ability to pay
- Offer a sliding-fee discount program based on household income and size
- Provide a comprehensive range of services including primary care, preventive care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services
What the Sliding-Fee Scale Means for You
FQHC sliding-fee scales are tied to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Patients at or below 100% FPL typically pay the lowest fee tier — sometimes as little as a nominal fee per visit. Patients between 101% and 200% FPL pay on a graduated scale. Those above 200% FPL may still receive discounted care, though rates vary by center.
To find HRSA-funded health centers serving Forsyth County, use the HRSA Health Center Finder at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov. Enter your ZIP code to locate the nearest federally funded clinic.
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Free and Charitable Clinics in Winston-Salem
Beyond FQHCs, Forsyth County has a network of free and charitable clinics that serve patients who may fall into coverage gaps — for example, those who earn slightly too much for Medicaid but cannot afford Marketplace premiums even with subsidies.
Samaritan Ministries of Winston-Salem
Samaritan Ministries operates a free medical clinic in Winston-Salem that provides primary care, chronic disease management, and referral services to uninsured adults. Eligibility is typically income-based, and patients are generally required to be uninsured. Contact them directly to confirm current income thresholds and appointment availability, as these can change.
Brenner FIT (Family Intervention for Tobacco) and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Community Programs
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, the major academic medical system in Forsyth County, operates community health programs and charity care programs. Patients who are uninsured or underinsured may apply for financial assistance through the hospital's charity care policy, which is required under IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit hospital rules. Patients at or below 200–250% FPL are often eligible for significant discounts or free care depending on the institution's policy.
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North Carolina Medicaid Expansion: A Critical Update for Forsyth County Residents
North Carolina officially expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in December 2023. This is one of the most significant healthcare access changes for low-income adults in the state in a decade.
Who May Now Be Eligible
Under expansion, adults ages 19–64 who earn up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level and are not otherwise eligible for Medicare may now qualify for full Medicaid coverage. This includes:
- Working adults in part-time or gig economy jobs
- Adults who previously fell into the "coverage gap" between Medicaid and Marketplace subsidies
- Recently unemployed individuals
Children may be eligible for NC Health Choice (North Carolina's CHIP program) at higher income levels — generally up to 211% FPL for children, though thresholds vary by age.
How to Apply for Medicaid in North Carolina
Applications can be submitted through:
- NC FAST (NC Families Accessing Services through Technology) — the state's online benefits portal at epass.nc.gov
- Your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office — Forsyth County DSS is located in Winston-Salem
- A certified application counselor or Navigator — free assistance available through community organizations
Required documents typically include: proof of identity (government-issued ID), proof of North Carolina residency, Social Security numbers for all household members applying, and documentation of household income (pay stubs, tax returns, or employer letters).
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ACA Marketplace Coverage and Subsidies
If your income is above 138% FPL, you may not qualify for Medicaid but could be eligible for premium tax credits on the ACA Marketplace (HealthCare.gov). Under current law:
- Households between 100% and 400% FPL have historically been eligible for premium tax credits
- Enhanced subsidies enacted under the American Rescue Plan and extended through the Inflation Reduction Act have expanded subsidy eligibility further up the income scale
- Open Enrollment typically runs November 1 through January 15 in North Carolina
- Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) may be triggered by qualifying life events such as job loss, marriage, birth of a child, or loss of other coverage
To explore plan options and subsidy estimates, visit HealthCare.gov or contact a certified Navigator. Navigator services are free and do not involve sales commissions.
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Prescription Assistance Programs
Even without insurance, Forsyth County residents may be able to access low-cost or free medications through:
- NeedyMeds.org — a national database of patient assistance programs by drug name and manufacturer
- RxAssist — another directory of pharmaceutical manufacturer assistance programs
- GoodRx and similar discount programs — not insurance, but can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs at retail pharmacies
- FQHC in-house pharmacies — many federally funded health centers participate in the 340B Drug Pricing Program, which allows them to purchase medications at significantly reduced costs and pass savings to patients
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How to Get Started: Your Next Steps
- Check Medicaid eligibility first — given NC's recent expansion, this is the highest-value first step for adults under 138% FPL
- Use the HRSA Health Center Finder to locate the nearest FQHC in Forsyth County
- Contact Forsyth County DSS if you need in-person help with a Medicaid application
- Visit HealthCare.gov during Open Enrollment or after a qualifying life event to compare Marketplace plans
- Ask about sliding-fee discounts at every clinic you contact — you are entitled to ask, and staff are trained to help
If you complete any online inquiry form to learn about your options, please note that by submitting your information you may be consenting to be contacted by phone, text, or email regarding available programs. Standard message and data rates may apply.
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Program eligibility and availability vary by state. Not affiliated with any government agency.
Last reviewed: May 2026