If you are uninsured and need care, reach out to receive free healthcare from St. Luke’s Family Practice.
If you’re one of the more than 25 million Americans without health insurance, you’re not alone. Fortunately, you’re also not out of options. Taking care of your health is essential, even if you don’t have health insurance. Whether you’re between jobs, self-employed, or just can’t afford coverage right now, there are ways to access medical care without insurance. Your health is your foundation — investing in it now can help you stay strong, independent, and ready to face life’s challenges.
Keep reading to learn more about affordable, reliable options to help you stay healthy without breaking the bank.
Options for Uninsured Individuals & Their Families
Visit Community Health Centers: Community health centers provide care regardless of your ability to pay. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), more than 30 million patients receive care through these centers each year.
These federally-funded clinics offer services like:
- Routine checkups
- Vaccinations
- Prenatal care
- Dental services
- Behavioral healthcare
You’ll pay on a sliding scale based on your income.
Find a clinic near you: Find a Health Center (HRSA.gov)
Look for Free or Low-Cost Clinics: Many cities have free clinics run by non-profits or volunteers. The National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics reports that over 7 million people receive care annually at free and charitable clinics across the U.S.
These clinics may offer services like:
- General medical exams
- Lab tests
- Mental health counseling
Find one near you: National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics.
Get Expert Care from a Nonprofit Charitable Concierge Practice: Charitable concierge medical care is transforming the healthcare landscape by giving those in need access to high-quality services typically available only to the wealthy. Concierge medicine is a healthcare model in which patients pay a membership fee in exchange for more personalized and accessible care.
For example, St. Luke’s Family Practice provides several advantages, such as extended appointment times, faster scheduling, and a stronger, more personalized connection with the doctor. Because concierge physicians generally see fewer patients than those in traditional practices, they can dedicate more time and attention to each individual.
Use Prescription Discount Programs: Don’t skip your medication due to cost. Many pharmacies and websites offer discount cards and programs you can use with or without insurance. These platforms compare pharmacy prices and provide free coupons to cut drug prices by up to 80%.
Some top options include:
Negotiate Medical Bills: Yes, you can negotiate your bill — and often save a lot. Hospitals and providers sometimes offer:
- Self-pay discounts
- Payment plans
- Charity care programs
Before or after your visit, don’t hesitate to ask: “Do you offer a discount for patients without insurance?”
Tip: Ask for an itemized bill and double-check it for errors.
Apply for Government Assistance Programs: Even if you don’t qualify for Medicaid, you may still be eligible for programs like:
- Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
- State-run programs for low-income adults
- Emergency Medicaid (for undocumented immigrants or emergencies)
Learn more: Medicaid.gov
Many people assume they won’t qualify, but it’s always worth checking — especially if your income recently changed.
Use Urgent Care Wisely: Urgent care centers are usually much cheaper than emergency rooms for non-life-threatening issues. Many centers list their self-pay prices online, and a typical visit can cost $100–$200 — compared to $1,200 or more for the ER.
FAIR Health provides a helpful tool to estimate local healthcare costs.
However, go to the ER or call 911 in a genuine emergency. Thanks to the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), hospitals are legally required to treat you regardless of insurance status.
Help St. Luke’s Family Practice Make Healthcare Accessible for All
Charitable concierge medicine embodies the spirit of compassionate, comprehensive healthcare. It ensures everyone can access quality medical care regardless of financial limitations. By focusing on early intervention, preventive health, and coordinated care, charitable concierge medicine can broadly change lives and improve health outcomes.
Organizations like St. Luke’s Family Practice are an excellent resource if you or someone you know could benefit from this care. Early intervention can make all the difference — and charitable concierge medicine is leading the way in creating accessible, sustainable healthcare solutions for those most in need.
St. Luke’s has provided over 63,000 free office visits to underserved individuals in our community, serving as a vital resource for those with few other options.
Early diagnosis of cancers and other serious illnesses have saved lives and connected patients with specialized treatment programs. The practice has also helped manage chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, preventing countless strokes, heart attacks, and hospitalizations. It improves patient health outcomes and saves Stanislaus County taxpayers significant healthcare costs.
We’re proud that St. Luke’s model has inspired the development of numerous charitable practices nationwide. Support St. Luke’s or contact us to schedule care today!
