How to Get Low-Income Health Insurance

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Medicaid · ACA Marketplace · CHIP · Community Clinics · Free & Low-Cost Coverage

Finding coverage when money is tight just got harder. The extra subsidies that kept ACA plans affordable for millions of Americans expired at the end of 2025 — but Medicaid, CHIP, and other free programs are still open year-round. Here is exactly how to figure out what you qualify for and how to apply today.

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Trending Now — The ACA Subsidy Cliff Is Back and Millions Are Losing Coverage

The enhanced premium tax credits that kept ACA marketplace plans near $0 for many low-income Americans expired on December 31, 2025. Congress did not extend them. As a result, average marketplace premiums jumped roughly 114% compared to the enhanced-subsidy years, and an estimated 4.8 million people have lost or dropped their coverage in 2026. The “subsidy cliff” returned too — if your household income goes even one dollar over 400% of the federal poverty level, you receive zero subsidy. If you are currently uninsured because your plan became unaffordable, Medicaid — which has no enrollment deadline — may be your fastest option. Apply any day of the year at HealthCare.gov or your state Medicaid office.

🩺 The Single Most Important Thing to Know First

Before comparing plans, check one thing: does your state have Medicaid expansion? In the 41 states (plus D.C.) that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, a single adult earning under roughly $22,000 a year can get completely free or near-free health coverage — no open enrollment period, no waiting, no age requirement. If your income is above that threshold and below 400% of the federal poverty level, the ACA Marketplace offers subsidized private insurance. Start at HealthCare.gov and let the application route you to the right program automatically — it screens for Medicaid, CHIP, and marketplace subsidies simultaneously.

📋 Quick Answers — The Questions People Ask Most

Plain answers to the real questions behind the searches, without jargon or runaround.

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What is the best health insurance for people with low income? Medicaid is free or nearly free for those who qualify · ACA Silver plans with cost-sharing reductions come next · CHIP covers children at no or very low cost · The “best” option depends entirely on your income and state
There is no single best plan — the answer is determined by your income, household size, and which state you live in. For adults in Medicaid expansion states earning under approximately $22,000 a year (single person), Medicaid costs nothing and covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and mental health services with little to no copays. For adults earning between that threshold and about $64,000 a year (single person), a subsidized Silver plan through the ACA Marketplace typically delivers the best balance of premium cost and out-of-pocket limits — especially if your income is between 100% and 250% of the federal poverty level, where additional cost-sharing reductions are available. Children in families that earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance qualify for CHIP, which covers kids in every state with minimal premiums and copays.
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How do I qualify for low-income health insurance? Income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) determines your program · Under ~138% FPL in expansion states: Medicaid (free) · 100%–400% FPL: ACA marketplace subsidies · Under 19 and under CHIP income limits: CHIP · Apply at HealthCare.gov — it checks all three
All low-income health insurance programs use your household income compared to the federal poverty level (FPL) as the main eligibility test. For 2026, the FPL for a single person is $15,960 a year. At 138% of that figure — about $22,000 for a single adult — you hit the Medicaid expansion cutoff in states that expanded. Above that up to 400% FPL (about $63,840 for a single person), ACA marketplace subsidies reduce your monthly premium, with the most help going to those at the lower end of that range. If your income falls below 100% FPL and your state has not expanded Medicaid, you may fall into a coverage gap where neither program applies — in those situations, a federally qualified health center (FQHC) can provide primary care on a sliding-scale fee regardless of your insurance status. The fastest way to check eligibility for all programs at once is to start an application at HealthCare.gov.
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What is the income limit to qualify for free or low-cost health insurance? Medicaid (free): up to ~$22,025/year single adult in expansion states · ACA subsidies: up to ~$63,840/year for a single person · CHIP for children: limits vary by state, often up to $66,000+ for a family of four · These figures use 2026 Federal Poverty Level guidelines
The income cutoffs that matter most in 2026: For Medicaid in expansion states, the threshold is 138% of the FPL — about $22,025 for a single person or $45,540 for a family of four. For ACA marketplace subsidies (which lower your monthly premium on a private plan), you need to earn between 100% and 400% FPL — that is $15,960 to $63,840 for a single person, or $33,000 to $132,000 for a family of four. For CHIP, which covers children under 19, income limits are set by each state and typically reach 200% to 317% FPL — meaning a family of four can earn as much as $66,000 or more in many states and still qualify for low-cost or free coverage for their kids. These figures are for the 48 contiguous states; Alaska and Hawaii use higher thresholds. Your actual Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) is what counts, not your gross wage — ask a navigator for help calculating it accurately if you are self-employed or have variable income.
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What states have NOT expanded Medicaid — and what do I do if I live there? 9 non-expansion states as of mid-2026: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wyoming · An estimated 1.5 million adults fall in the coverage gap · Apply for ACA marketplace plan at 100% FPL+ · Use FQHCs for immediate low-cost care
If you live in one of the nine states that have not expanded Medicaid, adults without dependent children cannot qualify for Medicaid at virtually any income level, and parents qualify only at very low thresholds — sometimes as low as 17% to 25% of the FPL. This has created a coverage gap affecting an estimated 1.5 million Americans who earn too little for marketplace subsidies but too much for their state’s narrow Medicaid program. If you are in this situation, your most practical options are: applying for the lowest-cost ACA plan you can afford through HealthCare.gov even without a subsidy, seeking care at a federally qualified health center (find one at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov) which must serve all patients on a sliding-scale fee, and checking whether your state offers any state-funded supplemental coverage program. Some non-expansion states provide limited state-funded options not advertised on federal sites — call your state’s Medicaid office directly to ask.
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Can I get free health insurance with no income? Yes — Medicaid in expansion states covers adults with zero or very low income at no cost · CHIP covers children at no cost in most states for families at lower income levels · If denied, a federally qualified health center charges on a sliding scale — sometimes $0
If you have no income at all and live in one of the 41 expansion states, you almost certainly qualify for Medicaid — it costs nothing in premiums and typically has $0 to $3 copays for most services. Apply immediately at HealthCare.gov or your state Medicaid office; Medicaid accepts applications every day of the year, and once approved, coverage can sometimes be backdated up to three months. If your income is zero and you live in a non-expansion state like Texas or Florida, Medicaid likely will not cover you unless you have a qualifying disability or dependent children. In that case, a federally qualified health center is your most accessible option — they are required by federal law to see patients regardless of ability to pay and to offer sliding-scale fees based on income, meaning a visit could cost $20, $5, or nothing depending on your household size. Find your nearest one at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
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What happens if I can’t afford health insurance and don’t qualify for Medicaid? Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs): sliding-scale primary care open to all · Community health clinics, free clinics, and rural health clinics: similar sliding-scale services · Negotiate directly with hospitals for charity care · GoodRx and NeedyMeds can reduce prescription costs significantly without insurance
Falling into the coverage gap is a real and painful situation, but you are not without options. Federally qualified health centers — there are more than 1,400 of them nationwide — are funded in part by the federal government and legally required to serve every patient regardless of insurance status, using a sliding fee schedule based on income. Many patients pay $20 to $40 per visit; some pay nothing. For prescriptions, the NeedyMeds and GoodRx programs can reduce drug costs by 40% to 80% even without any insurance. Hospital charity care is another underused option: most nonprofit hospitals are required to have financial assistance programs, and many will waive or reduce bills for households under 200% to 250% of the FPL — but you have to ask for it, usually before or shortly after receiving care. If you are uninsured and experience a major life change (job loss, marriage, having a baby, moving), that triggers a Special Enrollment Period for the ACA Marketplace — you have 60 days from the qualifying event to enroll.
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How do I apply for low-income health insurance? Start at HealthCare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 · The application screens for Medicaid, CHIP, and marketplace subsidies automatically · Medicaid accepts applications every day, year-round — no open enrollment deadline · Have income proof, Social Security numbers, and residency proof ready
The fastest path to coverage is a single application at HealthCare.gov (or your state’s own marketplace if it runs one). When you enter your income, household size, and state, the system automatically determines whether you qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or a subsidized private plan — and routes your application accordingly. For Medicaid and CHIP, there is no open enrollment period; you can apply on any day of the year and, if approved, coverage can start within days. Before you sit down to apply, gather: Social Security numbers for everyone in your household, documentation of current income (recent pay stubs, a tax return, or a written statement if self-employed), proof of state residency (a utility bill or lease), and immigration documents if applicable. If the paperwork feels overwhelming, free in-person help is available through certified Application Counselors and Navigators in every state — find one at localhelp.healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596, available in over 150 languages.
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What does low-income health insurance actually cover? Medicaid: doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health, dental (varies by state), long-term care · ACA plans: 10 essential health benefits including emergency care, maternity, prescriptions, and mental health · CHIP: doctor visits, hospital stays, vaccines, dental, vision, and mental health
Medicaid is often more comprehensive than people expect. Beyond doctor visits and hospital stays, it covers prescription drugs, mental health and substance use treatment, lab work, imaging, and — in most states — some dental and vision services. Long-term care, including nursing home coverage, is available through Medicaid for seniors and people with disabilities who meet separate income and asset tests. ACA marketplace plans, even subsidized ones, are required by law to cover 10 essential health benefit categories: outpatient care, emergency services, hospitalization, maternity and newborn care, mental health services, prescription drugs, rehabilitative services, lab services, preventive care, and pediatric services including dental and vision for children. CHIP covers all of those services for children under 19, plus well-child visits and vaccines. The one area that varies significantly is dental for adults — only about a third of states cover routine adult dental care through Medicaid, though emergency dental extractions are usually covered everywhere.

🗂️ Every Low-Income Health Insurance Program — What It Is and Who It Covers

Each program targets a different income range. Understanding which bucket you fall into eliminates hours of confusion. If you are unsure, apply at HealthCare.gov and let the system sort it out.

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Medicaid — Free Government Health Coverage

✅ Free or Near-Free 📅 Apply Year-Round 👥 67M+ Enrolled 🔄 No Open Enrollment

Medicaid is the largest health insurance program in the United States, covering more than 67 million people. In the 41 states and D.C. that expanded Medicaid under the ACA, any adult earning under roughly $22,025 a year (single) or $45,540 (family of four) qualifies — with no premium and minimal to zero copays. The nine non-expansion states use stricter rules that typically exclude non-disabled, childless adults. Medicaid accepts new applications every single day of the year, making it the fastest route to coverage for people whose income recently dropped. Coverage can in some cases be backdated to cover bills from up to three months before your application date. Apply at HealthCare.gov or directly with your state Medicaid agency.

✅ Who this is for: Low-income adults in expansion states, seniors needing long-term care, people with disabilities, pregnant women, parents with dependent children

⚠️ Income limit is strict — earning even a few hundred dollars over the threshold pushes you to ACA marketplace plans instead · Non-expansion states have very different and much narrower rules

📋 Income: Under ~138% FPL 💰 Cost: $0 premium, low or no copays 🌐 Apply: HealthCare.gov or state Medicaid office

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ACA Marketplace — Subsidized Private Insurance

💵 Premium Tax Credits 📊 Cost-Sharing Reductions 🗓️ Open Enrollment: Nov 1–Jan 15 ⚠️ 400% FPL Cliff Returned

The ACA Marketplace lets people who don’t have employer coverage or Medicaid buy private health insurance with government help paying the premium. The subsidy — called a premium tax credit — reduces your monthly payment based on your income. For 2026, the income range for subsidies runs from 100% FPL (about $15,960 for a single person) to 400% FPL (about $63,840). At lower incomes, particularly between 100% and 250% FPL, an additional benefit called a cost-sharing reduction (CSR) cuts your deductibles and copays — but only if you choose a Silver plan. The important change for 2026: the expanded subsidies that had kept premiums near zero for millions of people expired at the start of the year. Most people still get meaningful help, but premium amounts are higher than they were from 2021 through 2025. A few states — including California, Colorado, Connecticut, and Massachusetts — offer their own supplemental subsidies that partially offset the federal change.

✅ Who this is for: Adults earning between 100% and 400% FPL who don’t qualify for Medicaid or an affordable employer plan

⚠️ The subsidy cliff is real — one dollar over 400% FPL means zero help · Open enrollment runs November 1 to January 15 · Life events (job loss, marriage, new baby) trigger a 60-day Special Enrollment Period

📋 Income: 100%–400% FPL 💰 Cost: Varies — can be low with Silver + CSR 🌐 Apply: HealthCare.gov

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CHIP — Children’s Health Insurance Program

👧 Ages Under 19 📅 Apply Any Time 🏫 All 50 States 💰 Low or No Cost

CHIP fills the gap between Medicaid and private insurance for children under 19. If your family earns too much for Medicaid but too little to comfortably afford a marketplace plan, your kids almost certainly qualify for CHIP. Income limits vary significantly by state — from around 200% FPL to 400% FPL — meaning a family of four earning up to $66,000 or more can qualify in many states. CHIP covers doctor visits, hospital stays, vaccines, dental, vision, emergency care, and behavioral health services. Most states charge little or no monthly premium for CHIP, and any premiums charged cannot exceed 5% of household income under federal rules. Apply through HealthCare.gov or your state’s CHIP agency at insurekidsnow.gov. Like Medicaid, CHIP has no annual enrollment period — you can apply on any day of the year.

✅ Who this is for: Children under 19 in families that earn too much for Medicaid but can’t afford private insurance

⚠️ Income limits vary widely by state — check insurekidsnow.gov for your state’s exact number · Children cannot be enrolled in another health plan and also qualify for CHIP

📋 Income: Varies by state, often up to 200–317% FPL 💰 Cost: $0 to ~$50/month 🌐 Apply: InsureKidsNow.gov

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Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) — No Insurance Required

✅ No Insurance Needed 💲 Sliding-Scale Fees 1,400+ Locations Nationwide 🌎 1,400+ Locations Nationwide

If you cannot get insurance — for any reason — federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) are required by federal law to see you regardless of your ability to pay. They operate in medically underserved communities across all 50 states and use a sliding fee schedule based on your household income and size. A visit might cost you $20, $5, or nothing. FQHCs provide primary care, preventive services, immunizations, dental care (at most locations), behavioral health, and often pharmacy services. They are not emergency rooms and cannot replace hospital care, but for ongoing primary care, managing chronic conditions, and getting prescriptions, they are the most accessible safety-net option for people who fall between programs. Find your nearest FQHC at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov — a free government locator tool.

✅ Who this is for: Anyone uninsured or underinsured — no income requirement, no enrollment period, no documentation required to start

⚠️ Not a substitute for hospital or emergency care · Services vary by location — call ahead to confirm what your nearest center offers

📋 Income: Any income accepted 💰 Cost: Sliding scale, sometimes $0 🌐 Find one: findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov

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Medicare Savings Programs — Help Paying for Medicare

65+ or Disabled 💊 Covers Part B Premiums 📅 Apply Year-Round 💰 Widely Underused

Millions of older adults on Medicare are unaware they qualify for state-run Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) that pay their Medicare Part B premium — currently $185 per month in 2026 — and in some cases, their Part A premium and cost-sharing as well. These programs are funded by Medicaid but administered separately and available to people who already have Medicare. Income limits for MSPs are somewhat higher than standard Medicaid — for the most basic “Qualified Medicare Beneficiary” level, a single person can earn up to about $1,275 a month and still qualify. There is also the Extra Help program (Low Income Subsidy) for Part D prescription coverage, which reduces drug plan premiums and copays dramatically. Apply for Medicare Savings Programs through your state Medicaid office, or call 1-800-MEDICARE for help getting started.

✅ Who this is for: Adults 65+ or people with disabilities on Medicare who struggle to pay Part B premiums, deductibles, or drug costs

⚠️ These programs are estimated to cover only about half of eligible people — many qualify but never apply · Asset limits apply to some MSP categories

📋 Income: Varies by MSP level — roughly up to $1,275–$1,720/month single 💰 Cost: Pays your Medicare premiums for you 🌐 Apply: State Medicaid office or 1-800-MEDICARE

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State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs & Prescription Cost Programs

💊 Rx Help 🆓 Often Free 🔍 No Insurance Needed 📞 Apply Directly

Even without health insurance, prescription drug costs can often be dramatically reduced. Many drug manufacturers offer Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) providing free or deeply discounted medication to people who cannot afford it — find them through NeedyMeds.org or RxAssist.org. The GoodRx card (free, no sign-up required) reduces the cash price of most common generics at major pharmacy chains by 40% to 80%. Several states run their own pharmaceutical assistance programs for low-income seniors not yet on full Medicaid — including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and California. Additionally, all community health centers (FQHCs) participate in the federal 340B drug pricing program, which allows them to offer medications at significantly reduced prices to their patients. Ask the FQHC pharmacy desk whether you qualify for 340B pricing.

✅ Who this is for: Anyone paying out-of-pocket for prescriptions — uninsured, underinsured, or in the coverage gap

⚠️ Patient Assistance Programs require paperwork and can take 2–4 weeks to process — apply before you run out · GoodRx is instant and free

📋 Income: Varies by program 💰 Cost: Often free or 40–80% discount 🌐 Start: NeedyMeds.org or GoodRx.com

📊 Which Program Am I in? — 2026 Income Guide by Household Size

Find your household size in the left column and trace across to see where your yearly income lands you. These figures apply to the 48 contiguous states; Alaska and Hawaii use higher thresholds.

Household Size	Medicaid (Free) Under 138% FPL	ACA Subsidies 138%–400% FPL	No Subsidies Over 400% FPL
1 person	Under $22,025/yr Free	$22,025 – $63,840/yr	Over $63,840/yr
2 people	Under $29,777/yr	$29,777 – $86,280/yr	Over $86,280/yr
3 people	Under $37,533/yr	$37,533 – $108,840/yr	Over $108,840/yr
4 people	Under $45,540/yr	$45,540 – $132,000/yr	Over $132,000/yr
5 people	Under $53,400/yr	$53,400 – $154,680/yr	Over $154,680/yr

🚨 If You Live in a Non-Expansion State — Important

In the 9 states that have not expanded Medicaid (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wyoming), the Medicaid column above does NOT apply to most adults without children or a qualifying disability. If you earn under 100% FPL ($15,960 for a single person) in these states, you also cannot get ACA subsidies. You fall into the coverage gap. Your best immediate option is a federally qualified health center — find one at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov — which is required to see you regardless of coverage status on a sliding-scale fee.

✅ How to Apply — Step by Step

Whether you are applying for Medicaid, CHIP, or a marketplace plan, the steps below cover all three. The single application at HealthCare.gov screens for everything at once.

Gather your documents before you start. You will need: Social Security numbers for everyone applying (or alien registration numbers for non-citizens), proof of current income — a recent pay stub, last year’s tax return, or a bank statement if self-employed — and a document showing your state residency such as a utility bill or current lease. Having these ready cuts the application time roughly in half.
Go to HealthCare.gov and create an account. If your state runs its own marketplace (California, New York, and several others do), go to your state’s exchange instead. The federal and state systems both screen for Medicaid, CHIP, and marketplace plans in a single application. If you prefer phone assistance, call 1-800-318-2596 — the line is available in over 150 languages and staffed seven days a week.
Enter your household size and estimated annual income. Use your best estimate of what you expect to earn for the full year — not last year’s income if your situation has changed. If your income varies (gig work, seasonal work), estimate conservatively; you can update it during the year and the system will recalculate your eligibility. Medicaid eligibility is based on current monthly income, while marketplace subsidies use your estimated annual total.
Let the system route you to the right program. If your income falls under the Medicaid threshold, your application is automatically forwarded to your state Medicaid agency — you do not need to start over. If you qualify for CHIP for your children, that is handled separately but started from the same application. If marketplace plans are the right fit, the system will show you your options with the subsidy already applied to the premiums.
Choose a plan or accept Medicaid and complete enrollment. For marketplace plans, compare Silver plans especially carefully if your income is between 100% and 250% FPL — that is where cost-sharing reductions (which lower your deductible and copays) are available, but only on Silver tier plans. For Medicaid, you may be automatically enrolled or asked to choose a Medicaid managed care plan depending on your state.
Get free in-person help if the process feels overwhelming. Certified Application Counselors and Navigators are available at no charge in every county in the United States. They are trained to help you apply, understand your options, and make sure you are enrolling in the right program. Find one at localhelp.healthcare.gov or by calling your county health department. For seniors specifically, your local Area Agency on Aging (eldercare.acl.gov) offers benefits counselors who can walk through Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, and prescription help all in one visit.

⚠️ Mistakes That Leave People Uninsured — and How to Avoid Them

🚫 Waiting for Open Enrollment When You Need Medicaid or CHIP

The ACA Marketplace has an annual open enrollment window, but Medicaid and CHIP do not. If you lost coverage, had a baby, lost your job, or your income dropped — you can apply for Medicaid or CHIP today, on any day of the year. Thousands of people go uninsured for months while waiting for “open enrollment season” when they could have had Medicaid coverage within days. If you qualify for Medicaid, apply immediately.

⚠️ Underestimating or Overestimating Your Income

Your income estimate for ACA marketplace subsidies determines how much you pay each month. If you estimate too low and end up earning more, you may owe some subsidy money back at tax time. If you estimate too high and earn less, you leave money on the table or may have overpaid premiums all year. If you are self-employed or have variable income, report income changes to HealthCare.gov as the year goes on — it recalculates your subsidy in real time. The income that counts is your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), which includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security benefits if taxable, and investment income, but not Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or child support received.

⚠️ Choosing the Wrong Metal Level on the ACA Marketplace

ACA plans come in Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers. For people with lower incomes — specifically those between 100% and 250% FPL — Silver plans are the only tier where cost-sharing reductions apply. Choosing a Bronze plan to save on the monthly premium means losing access to these extra discounts that lower your deductible and copays. A Silver plan with cost-sharing reductions often costs more per month than Bronze but dramatically less overall because your out-of-pocket costs are reduced every time you use care. Run the math on total expected costs for the year, not just the premium.

⚠️ Not Checking Your State’s Own Subsidy Programs

While the federal enhanced subsidies expired, several states fund their own supplemental programs that partly fill the gap. California (Covered California), Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and Washington State all have state-run subsidies that remain in effect and can significantly reduce premiums beyond what the federal rules provide. If you live in one of these states, applying through your state exchange rather than the federal HealthCare.gov site ensures you capture every available discount. Check your state exchange’s website directly for the current details, as these programs change year to year.

📍 Find Help and Coverage Near You

Use the buttons below to locate enrollment help, community health centers, Medicaid offices, and free clinics in your area.

🔑 Quick-Access — Key Resources at a Glance

🏥 Apply for Medicaid & marketplace: HealthCare.gov 👶 Children’s insurance enrollment: InsureKidsNow.gov 🏢 Find a community health center: findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov 📞 Free enrollment help: 1-800-318-2596 💊 Rx patient assistance programs: NeedyMeds.org 💊 Prescription discounts: GoodRx.com 👴 Help for seniors: eldercare.acl.gov 📋 Local enrollment counselors: localhelp.healthcare.gov

✅ 5-Step Checklist Before You Give Up on Finding Coverage

Step 1: Check your state’s Medicaid expansion status. If your state expanded Medicaid (41 states plus D.C. as of 2026), and your income is under about $22,000 a year for a single adult, you very likely qualify for free coverage right now. Apply at HealthCare.gov or your state Medicaid office — no open enrollment period required, any day of the year.
Step 2: If you have children under 19 and think their costs would be too high, check CHIP at InsureKidsNow.gov before assuming they are uninsured. In most states, a family of four earning up to $66,000 or more qualifies for no- or low-cost coverage for kids.
Step 3: If the ACA Marketplace shows you high premiums, look specifically at Silver plans if your income is under 250% FPL. Cost-sharing reductions — available only on Silver tier plans — can cut your actual out-of-pocket costs significantly even if the monthly premium looks similar to a Bronze plan.
Step 4: If you cannot get insurance at all, find your nearest federally qualified health center at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov. By federal law, they see every patient and charge on a sliding scale. Many people pay $20 or less per visit. They also offer dental, behavioral health, and prescription services at reduced cost.
Step 5: Call for free help. The federally funded navigator system — available at 1-800-318-2596 or localhelp.healthcare.gov — provides one-on-one enrollment assistance in over 150 languages at no charge. These counselors can walk you through every step of the application and make sure you are not leaving any coverage or savings on the table.

This article provides general informational content about publicly available U.S. health insurance programs and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. Eligibility rules, income thresholds, and program availability change regularly and vary by state. Always verify current requirements directly with your state Medicaid agency, HealthCare.gov, or a certified enrollment navigator before relying on figures cited here. No financial relationship exists between this publication and any health insurance company, marketplace, or government agency referenced in this content.

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