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Resources

Guides and tools to help you access affordable healthcare, understand your options, and navigate community health centers.

FQHC 101: What Is a Community Health Center?

Everything you need to know about federally qualified health centers — who they serve, how they're funded, what services they provide, and how they differ from private practices.

Getting Started•10 min read

Eligibility Guide: Who Can Use a Free Clinic?

Anyone can visit an FQHC, but understanding how income guidelines, residency status, and insurance affect what you pay will help you prepare for your first visit.

Getting Started•8 min read

Your First Visit: What to Bring and What to Expect

Step-by-step guide to your first appointment at a community health center — from what documents to bring to how the intake process works and what happens after.

Getting Started•7 min read

Cost & Payment: The Sliding Fee Scale Explained

How FQHCs calculate what you pay based on income and family size, what counts as proof of income, and what to do if you can't afford even the minimum fee.

Getting Started•8 min read

Insurance at FQHCs: Medicaid, Medicare & More

Understand how FQHCs bill insurance, how to enroll in Medicaid or CHIP with help from the clinic, and what coverage means for your out-of-pocket costs.

Getting Started•10 min read

Trusted Organizations & Resources

HRSA Health Center Program

The federal agency that funds and oversees FQHCs. Use their Find a Health Center tool to locate federally funded clinics near you.

Find a Health Center

NACHC — National Association of Community Health Centers

The national advocacy organization for FQHCs. Provides policy resources, patient guides, and a state-by-state directory of health center associations.

Visit NACHC

NeedyMeds

A nonprofit database of patient assistance programs, free clinics, and drug discount programs. Useful for finding medication help when pharmacy costs are still high.

Search Programs

Healthcare.gov — Medicaid & CHIP

Check your eligibility for Medicaid and CHIP, or find a navigator near you to help with enrollment. Many FQHC patients qualify but haven't enrolled yet.

Check Eligibility

Patient Advocate Foundation

Free case managers who help patients navigate insurance coverage, financial assistance, and access issues — including help getting care at community health centers.

Get Help

211 Helpline

Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.org to find local social services including free clinics, food assistance, housing support, and other community resources in your area.

Find Local Resources

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