Free & Low-Cost Healthcare in Philadelphia
Where to get care when you're uninsured or underinsured
You don't have to skip a doctor visit because you can't afford it. Philadelphia has a network of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and free clinics that serve patients regardless of ability to pay, citizenship status, or insurance status.
Practical next steps
Understand Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
FQHCs are federally funded health centers required to serve all patients regardless of ability to pay. They use a sliding fee scale — payment can be $0 for qualifying patients. They provide primary care, mental health, dental, vision, and more.
Philadelphia FQHCs: the main networks
Health Partners (multiple locations in North, West, and South Philly), PHMC's Health Federation (citywide), Esperanza Health Center (North Philly, Spanish-speaking), and others. Find your nearest at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
Use the 2-1-1 line for same-day referrals
Call or text 2-1-1 from any phone. They connect you to free or sliding-scale healthcare clinics near you, often with same-day appointments. Available in multiple languages.
Free dental care for school students
The School District partners with dental programs. Ask your school nurse or counselor about free dental screenings and referrals.
Planned Parenthood — sexual and reproductive health
Planned Parenthood of Southeastern PA accepts Medicaid and offers sliding-scale fees. STI testing, contraception, annual exams, and pregnancy testing. No appointment needed for many services.
Philadelphia Department of Public Health clinics
The city operates public health centers offering immunizations, STI testing, and other services free or at low cost. Find locations at phila.gov/health.
Hospital emergency rooms must treat you
Under EMTALA, hospital ERs must treat anyone in an emergency regardless of insurance or ability to pay. You can work out payment afterward.
Resource starting points
- Find a Health Center (HRSA)
Find federally qualified health centers near any zip code.
- 2-1-1 Pennsylvania
Call or text 2-1-1 for same-day healthcare referrals.
Organizations featured in this guide
- Health Partners
Major FQHC network with locations across North, West, and South Philadelphia. Sliding-scale fees, all patients welcome.
- Esperanza Health Center
FQHC in North Philadelphia with Spanish-speaking staff. Primary care, behavioral health, dental, and more.
- PHMC Health Federation
Network of federally qualified health centers across Philadelphia. All patients accepted.
- Planned Parenthood of Southeastern PA
Sexual and reproductive health services — STI testing, contraception, annual exams. Accepts Medicaid, sliding-scale for uninsured.
- Philadelphia Dept of Public Health
City-run clinics offering immunizations, STI testing, and other services free or at low cost.
Helpful things to know
Find your nearest FQHC right now
Go to findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov and enter your zip code.
Apply for Medicaid first
Even if you're seen today, Medicaid can sometimes retroactively cover recent visits.
Common questions
Do I need an ID to access free healthcare?
FQHCs and free clinics are generally required to serve all patients. Some may ask for ID for record-keeping but cannot deny care because you don't have one.