Free & low-cost help

Help when money is tight

Cost should not keep anyone from care. These services are free or charge by what you can pay. Most are national; some help you find the closest one.

Right now, free, any time

If you or someone near you is in danger, call 911. These lines are free and confidential.

Care that fits a tight budget

Medical, mental health and dental care that charges by what you can pay, or nothing at all.

  1. Community health centers

    Sliding-scale clinics · Near you

    Doctors, mental health care and often dental care, with fees on a sliding scale by income. They see you even if you cannot pay.

    Website

  2. Free and charitable clinics

    Free clinics · Near you

    Clinics run by volunteers and donations for people without insurance or with low income.

    Website

  3. Open Path Collective

    Low-cost therapy · Nonprofit network

    A nonprofit network of therapists who offer sessions at a reduced rate to people who qualify by income.

    Website

  4. FindTreatment.gov

    Treatment finder · Government

    The government’s search for mental health and substance use treatment. You can look for places that take Medicaid or charge on a sliding scale.

    Website

  5. NAMI HelpLine

    Mental health support · National

    Free information and support for people living with mental illness and their families, including where to find affordable care.

    Call 1-800-950-6264 Text helpline to 62640 Website

  6. Lower-cost dental care

    Dental care for less · Guide

    Dental schools, community health centers and public programs that offer dental care for less.

    Website

Help paying for care

Coverage and programs that lower what you pay.

  1. Medicaid

    Health coverage · By state

    Free or low-cost health coverage for people and families with low income. Rules differ by state.

    Website

  2. Insure Kids Now (CHIP)

    Coverage for children · By state

    Free or low-cost coverage for children and teens, even when parents earn too much for Medicaid.

    Website

  3. HealthCare.gov

    Health insurance marketplace

    The health insurance marketplace. Many people qualify for savings that lower the monthly cost.

    Website

  4. NeedyMeds

    Help paying for medicines · Nonprofit

    A nonprofit that lists programs to help pay for medicines and care.

    Website

Local help, charities and nonprofits

People and groups near you who help with health, food, housing and more.

  1. 211

    Local help line · Food, housing, bills, health

    One number for local help: food, housing, bills, health care and more, run by United Way and partners.

    Call 211 Website

  2. Nonprofit directory

    Charities and nonprofits · Socially United

    Nonprofits and charities across the country, listed by Socially United.

    Website

  3. Community health centers on Live Well Map

    On Live Well Map

    Health centers and clinics near you in our search.

    Search near me

  4. Churches and faith recovery groups

    On Live Well Map

    Many churches near you run support and recovery groups that are free to join.

    Search near me

Services, hours and rules can change. Call ahead to check what is offered near you.