Paying for a child's medical care can be hard for many families. A pediatrician is your partner in caring for your child’s healthcare needs from birth to adolescence.
If you can't afford any health insurance and don’t qualify for coverage through the health insurance marketplace, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), you may be able to get low-cost health care at a nearby community health center.
Free pediatric community clinics are located in both urban and rural areas. How much you pay depends on your income.
About 1,400 free and charitable clinics and charitable pharmacies operate in the U.S., according to the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics.
Services offered by free pediatric medical clinics can include:
- Pediatric and adolescent medicine
- Newborn care
- Physicals
- Dental Care
- Immunizations, including flu vaccines
- 24-hour telephone coverage
- Prevention and management of chronic illnesses
- Minor procedures and injury treatment
- Childhood illness treatment
- Developmental screenings
- Laboratory services
- High-quality Mental Health Services
- Nutrition
- Hearing and vision screening
- Prenatal visits
- Lactation services
Federal Poverty Limits
The poverty guidelines are sometimes loosely referred to as the "federal poverty level" (FPL). Many free clinics set income limits, often at or below 200% to 300% of the federal poverty level. Limits vary by clinic, and this table does not determine whether you qualify.
| POVERTY LIMIT FOR THE 48 CONTIGUOUS STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA |
| Persons in Family |
Poverty Limit(100%) |
Poverty Limit(200%) |
| 1 |
$15,960 |
$31,920 |
| 2 |
$21,640 |
$43,280 |
| 3 |
$27,320 |
$54,640 |
| 4 |
$33,000 |
$66,000 |
| 5 |
$38,680 |
$77,360 |
| 6 |
$44,360 |
$88,720 |
| 7 |
$50,040 |
$100,080 |
| 8 |
$55,720 |
$111,440 |
| For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $5,680 for each additional person. |
Free Pediatrics Clinics By State
Your state or local health department may know of programs in your area that offer reduced-cost or free pediatric health care.
FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)
Are free clinics really free?
Not always. The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics counts about 1,400 free and charitable clinics and charitable pharmacies in the U.S. Some charge nothing, while others ask for a small fee or use a sliding scale based on your income. Ask about costs before your visit.
Can free clinics write prescriptions?
Many can. A clinic with a licensed prescriber can write prescriptions, but services vary, so ask the clinic first.
Do I need an appointment to be seen at the free clinics?
Usually. Many free clinics see patients by appointment, and some take walk-ins. Call ahead to confirm.
I am an undocumented person. Will the free clinic see me?
It depends on the clinic. Some ask about legal residency and others do not, and some ask for proof that you live in the area. Call the clinic to ask what it requires.
How does the Affordable Care Act (Obama Care) affect the Free Clinic?
Even with the Affordable Care Act, 26.7 million people in the U.S. are uninsured. Free clinics continue to serve many people without insurance.
Is the Clinic staffed with licensed health professionals?
Clinics rely on licensed health professionals, often including volunteers. Ask the clinic if you have questions about who will provide your care.
