Did you know that 83% of Americans believe that the cost of medical services makes quality care unaffordable? Healthcare is a complex issue, and it has left many Americans searching for the best way to access medical services.
This can be difficult if you’re uninsured. In fact, you may even be asking yourself are there any free health clinics near me?
We’re here to fill you in. Keep reading below to learn more about low-cost and free clinics in your area.
How to Find Free Health Clinics Near Me
If you’re wondering “How can I find free health clinics near me with no insurance?”, you can breathe easy knowing that there are several reliable options out there.
One resource to research is offerings by your local universities and colleges. Many universities with medical departments offer free or low-cost clinics for uninsured patients. It’s a safe and credible way to get services without breaking the bank.
Many walk-in clinics, such as urgent care centers, also provide low-cost services for uninsured patients. You can expect to only pay between $100-200 for an urgent care clinic visit.
These types of clinics are a smart alternative to a traditional hospital. They are primed for emergency-type situations, but they are astronomically cheaper than a trip to the emergency room.
If you can’t afford to pay anything, there are still clinics that offer free services. Often, these types of clinics will be volunteer-led or nonprofits.
Your best bet is to search your area for free local clinics. Community centers may be able to provide you with this information.
There are also various websites, like this one, that you can use to find free clinics in your area. Oftentimes, these websites will also provide you with information on the specific services that the clinics provide.
Sliding-Scale Clinics in Your Community
As you’re searching for low-cost or free clinics, you may come across the phrase “sliding-fee scale”. If a clinic offers services on a sliding-fee scale, you will only pay for what you can afford. Sometimes it will depend on your income as well.
A Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) is a government-run clinic that offers services on a sliding scale. They are a good alternative if you can’t find a free or volunteer-led clinic.
FQHCs often aim to work for underserved communities where healthcare may be difficult to access. FQHCs may also partner with other healthcare organizations to provide additional services that their home site may not offer.
FQHCs can operate under different mainstays. For example, some operate under county health departments, homeless shelter health centers, and migrant health centers.
Getting the Help You Deserve
No one should be denied medical services, but it can be difficult to find affordable healthcare if you’re uninsured. With the guide above, you’ll no longer have to ask where can I find free health clinics near me?
For more articles like this, check out the rest of our website. Or, if you’re looking for affordable insurance, contact us to learn more about our plans!