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Finding low-cost care: United States.

A take-home sheet for people at the session. Other countries: United Kingdom · Canada · Australia.

Moraph for Good · Reach

Finding low-cost care: United States

Handout · moraph.org/commons/sessions/reach/finding-low-cost-care

This sheet lists the kinds of low-cost care that exist, how to ask about price, and the official places to look where you live. It is general information, not medical advice.

Where to look

  • Community health centers and free clinics.
  • Clinics with sliding-scale or reduced fees.
  • Pharmacists and free health advice lines.
  • Public programs for people on low incomes.

Ask on the phone

  • Are you seeing new patients?
  • What does a visit cost, and is there a reduced fee?
  • What should I bring?
  • Can I have an interpreter?

Bring with you

  • Any ID or health card you have.
  • Proof of income, if they use a sliding scale.
  • A list of the medicines you take.

If it can’t wait

  • If it might be an emergency, call the emergency number first.
  • If you’re not sure where to go, call the free advice line below.

In the United States

  • Community health centers. If you can’t afford a plan and don’t qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, you can get low-cost care at a community health center, where what you pay depends on your income. They offer primary care, prenatal care, children’s shots and referrals, including for mental health. The government’s Find a Health Center tool lists them.
  • Medicaid and CHIP. Medicaid and CHIP give free or low-cost coverage to eligible people on low incomes. You can apply at any time of year, and Medicaid may help pay for care from the last three months, depending on income at the time.
  • Emergency rooms. Under a federal law called EMTALA, a hospital emergency department can’t deny you a medical screening exam or treatment for an emergency medical condition because you don’t have insurance, can’t pay, or aren’t a US citizen.
  • Hospital financial assistance. Nonprofit (tax-exempt) hospitals must have a written financial assistance policy covering emergency and other medically necessary care, offering free or discounted care to people who qualify. They must make it widely available, including a plain-language summary.
  • Estimates if you’re paying yourself. If you don’t have or don’t use insurance, providers usually must give you a good faith estimate of the cost when you schedule care at least three business days ahead, or if you ask for one.

Official places to check:

  • HealthCare.gov (US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services): www.healthcare.gov/community-health-centers
  • US Health Resources and Services Administration: findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov
  • HealthCare.gov (US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services): www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip
  • US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: www.cms.gov/priorities/your-patient-rights/emergency-room-rights
  • Internal Revenue Service: www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/financial-assistance-policies-faps
  • US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: www.cms.gov/initiatives/your-patient-rights/medical-bill-rights/know-your-rights/without-insurance

General information, not advice about your own situation. Checked 19 October 2026. If an official source says something different, it is right. Free to copy and adapt. moraph.org/commons/sessions/reach/finding-low-cost-care