If You've Lost Medicaid Coverage, Free Clinics and Health Centers May Help Bridge the Gap

If you've recently lost Medicaid coverage — or received a notice suggesting you might — free and charitable clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) may be able to help you access care while you sort out your next steps. Following the passage of legislation commonly referred to as the "One Big Beautiful Bill," which restructures federal Medicaid funding and introduces new work reporting requirements for certain adult enrollees, free clinics across the country are reporting a measurable increase in patient demand. Many are actively expanding capacity in response. This article explains what free clinics offer, how to find one, and what other healthcare assistance programs may still be available to you.

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Data Snapshot

According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Federally Qualified Health Centers served approximately 30.5 million patients in 2023 — with nearly 62% of those patients living at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). FQHCs received over $7.1 billion in federal funding that year. Source: HRSA Health Center Program National Data, hrsa.gov.

Separately, the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) estimates that more than 1,400 free and charitable clinics currently operate across the United States, collectively serving millions of uninsured and underinsured patients each year — entirely outside the federal funding structure that is currently under revision.

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What Is Happening With Medicaid Right Now?

The legislation known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill" includes provisions that restructure how federal Medicaid dollars flow to states and introduce new eligibility conditions — most notably, work reporting requirements for certain non-disabled adult enrollees. The practical effect of these changes will vary significantly depending on how each state chooses to implement them, and implementation timelines are still unfolding.

If you received a termination or redetermination notice about your Medicaid coverage, the most important first step is to contact your state Medicaid agency directly before assuming your coverage has ended. Many states have:

  • Grace periods before coverage actually terminates
  • Appeals processes with specific deadlines (typically 90 days from the notice date)
  • Redetermination timelines that may allow you to requalify

You can find your state's Medicaid contact information at Medicaid.gov. Do not wait — deadlines matter in appeals.

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What Free Clinics Actually Offer

Free and charitable clinics are nonprofit organizations — not government agencies — that provide medical services at no cost or very low cost to people who are uninsured or underinsured. They are funded through private donations, grants, and volunteer provider time. Services vary by clinic but commonly include:

  • Primary care: Sick visits, chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension, asthma), and preventive screenings
  • Dental care: Cleanings, extractions, and in some cases restorative work
  • Mental health counseling and substance use support
  • Prescription assistance programs and medication access
  • Women's health services including reproductive health
  • Basic lab work and diagnostics

Do Free Clinics Require Insurance?

Most free clinics do not require insurance. They are specifically designed to serve people who are uninsured or who have fallen through gaps in the coverage system. Some clinics ask about income to confirm eligibility, but many serve anyone who presents for care. Call ahead to confirm what a specific clinic requires.

How to Find a Free Clinic Near You

The National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) maintains a searchable directory at nafcclinics.org/find-a-clinic. Search by ZIP code to find clinics in your area.

You can also call 211 — a free, confidential helpline available in most states — to be connected with local health and social services, including free clinics, food assistance, and housing resources.

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Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs): A Separate and Widely Available Option

FQHCs are distinct from free clinics. They are federally funded health centers — authorized under Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act — that are legally required to serve all patients regardless of ability to pay. Rather than being free outright, they charge on a sliding-scale fee based on your household income. If your income is very low, your out-of-pocket cost may be minimal or, in some cases, zero.

FQHCs are required by federal law to offer:

  • Primary and preventive care
  • Dental services
  • Mental health and substance use disorder services
  • Pharmacy services (at many locations)
  • Prenatal and obstetric care
  • Case management and enabling services

Because FQHCs receive federal funding specifically to serve underserved communities, they are available in all 50 states — including rural and frontier areas where free clinics may be sparse.

How to Find an FQHC

Use the HRSA Health Center Finder at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov to locate a federally funded health center near you. Enter your address or ZIP code to see options sorted by distance.

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Medicaid and CHIP May Still Be Available to You

Despite recent legislative changes, Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) remain active federal-state programs serving tens of millions of Americans. Depending on your state, household size, and income level, you may still be eligible — or may become eligible again if your circumstances change.

General Income Guidelines (These Vary Significantly by State)

  • Children (CHIP and Medicaid): Families with incomes up to 200% of FPL or higher may be eligible in many states. Some states extend CHIP coverage to children in families earning up to 300% of FPL or more.
  • Pregnant individuals: Many states cover pregnancy-related care for individuals with incomes up to 200% of FPL or higher, and some states have extended this further.
  • Adults without dependent children: In states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, adults with incomes up to 138% of FPL may be eligible. In non-expansion states, eligibility for this group is often very limited or nonexistent outside of specific categories.
  • People with disabilities: May be eligible for Medicaid regardless of income in certain circumstances, depending on the specific program pathway.

Because these thresholds shift with annual FPL updates and vary by state, always verify current figures directly with your state Medicaid agency.

Documents You May Need to Apply for Medicaid or CHIP

Gathering these documents before you apply can speed up the process:

  • Proof of identity: Driver's license, state ID, or passport
  • Proof of state residency: Utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement
  • Social Security numbers: For yourself and any household members applying
  • Proof of income: Recent pay stubs, most recent tax return, or an employer letter
  • Proof of citizenship or immigration status
  • Information about any current health insurance coverage

How to Apply

You can apply for Medicaid or CHIP through several channels:

  1. Your state Medicaid agency — find yours at Medicaid.gov
  2. HealthCare.gov — the federal marketplace, which screens applicants for Medicaid eligibility during enrollment
  3. Benefits.gov — benefits.gov — which can help you identify programs you may be eligible for based on your situation
  4. A local FQHC or social services office — many can help you complete an application in person at no charge

Note: If you submit a form through any online resource, review the consent language carefully before submitting, as some platforms may contact you by phone or text regarding your inquiry.

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Other Healthcare Assistance Programs Worth Knowing

Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program For individuals living with HIV who are uninsured or underinsured, the Ryan White Program funds care and treatment services through local providers and health departments. Visit hab.hrsa.gov or contact your local health department for referrals.

Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) Many pharmaceutical manufacturers offer programs that provide free or reduced-cost medications to individuals who cannot afford them. The nonprofit NeedyMeds.org maintains a searchable database of these programs by medication name and manufacturer.

State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) If you have children who are currently uninsured, CHIP may be available even if your household income is above the Medicaid threshold. Apply through your state's CHIP program or visit insurekidsnow.gov for state-specific information.

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Realistic Timeline: What to Expect

Knowing what to expect can reduce stress and help you plan:

  • Free clinic appointment: Many free clinics operate on a walk-in or same-week basis. Wait times vary by location and current demand — call ahead.
  • FQHC new patient appointment: Typically 1–4 weeks, though urgent care is often available sooner. Some FQHCs have same-day sick visit slots.
  • Medicaid application processing: Federal rules require most Medicaid applications to be processed within 45 days (90 days for disability-based applications). Some states process faster.
  • CHIP application: Similar to Medicaid — most states process within 45 days, and many have faster turnaround for children.
  • Medicaid appeal: If you appeal a termination, you may be able to continue receiving coverage during the appeals process in some states. Ask your state agency about "aid continuing" provisions.

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Additional Resources

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Program eligibility and availability vary by state. Not affiliated with any government agency.

Last reviewed: July 2026