If you or someone you love needs care but money or insurance is in the way, you have options. Across Texas there are free clinics, charitable clinics, and community health centers that treat patients regardless of insurance or ability to pay.
Texas Health Help is a community nonprofit. We don't provide medical care, but we share clear information and help people across rural and underserved Texas connect to trusted clinics near them — for free.
The Fastest Ways to Find a Clinic Near You
- Dial 2-1-1 — free, confidential, 24/7. Tell them your ZIP code and that you need a free or low-cost clinic.
- Use the HRSA Find a Health Center tool — search community health centers by your address.
- Search the NAFC free clinic finder — a national directory of charitable free clinics.
- Ask us — our community navigators will look one up for you and walk you through next steps.
Types of Free & Low-Cost Clinics in Texas
Community Health Centers (FQHCs)
Federally funded clinics that charge on a sliding scale based on your income. They serve everyone — insured, uninsured, Medicaid, and Medicare. Most offer primary care, dental, and behavioral health under one roof.
Charitable Free Clinics
Nonprofit, often volunteer-run clinics that provide care at no cost to people who qualify (usually based on income and lack of insurance).
Sliding-Scale & Rural Health Clinics
Clinics in smaller towns that adjust fees to what you can afford and accept patients regardless of coverage.
Mobile & Pop-Up Clinics
Traveling clinics that bring checkups, screenings, and vaccines directly to rural communities on a schedule.
What These Clinics Can Help With
- Annual checkups and physicals
- Sick visits (colds, infections, injuries)
- Diabetes and blood-pressure care
- Immunizations and flu shots
- Women's health and prenatal care
- Basic lab tests and screenings
- Dental and vision (at many centers)
- Mental health and counseling
- Help getting low-cost prescriptions
How to Get Seen — Step by Step
- 1
Find a clinic near you
Call 2-1-1 or use the HRSA finder below to locate the closest free or sliding-scale clinic.
- 2
Call ahead and ask two questions
"Do you serve uninsured patients?" and "What do I need to bring?" This saves a wasted trip.
- 3
Gather what you'll need
Photo ID, proof of income (a recent pay stub), and proof of address help them set your sliding-scale fee.
- 4
Book the first available appointment
Some clinics also take walk-ins. Ask about telehealth if travel is hard.
- 5
Let us help if it feels overwhelming
Our navigators can find a clinic, check what you'll pay, and even help with the call — free and confidential.
Serving Rural East Texas
We focus on the rural and underserved communities of East Texas, including San Jacinto, Polk, Livingston, and the surrounding counties — areas where the nearest clinic can be a long drive away.
If you're in one of these communities and aren't sure where to turn, reach out. We'll find the closest free or low-cost clinic for you and, if getting there is a challenge, point you to free medical transportation options.
What to Bring to Your Visit
- A photo ID (any government ID works)
- Proof of income (recent pay stub or benefits letter)
- Proof of address (a piece of mail)
- A list of medications you take
- Any insurance or Medicaid card, if you have one
- Notes on your symptoms or health history
Don't have everything? Go anyway — most clinics will still see you and help you sort out paperwork.
Trusted Clinic Finders
Need to see a doctor? We'll help you find a clinic.
Tell us where you are and we'll find the closest free or low-cost clinic, check what you'll pay, and help you take the next step — at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a free clinic near me in Texas?+
Start by dialing 2-1-1 (free, 24/7) or searching the HRSA Find a Health Center tool at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov. Both connect you to community health centers and free or sliding-scale clinics near your ZIP code. Texas Health Help can also help you find one for free.
Are there really free clinics if I have no insurance?+
Yes. Texas has Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and charitable free clinics that serve patients regardless of insurance or ability to pay. FQHCs use a sliding fee scale based on your income, so many visits cost little or nothing.
What's the difference between a free clinic and a community health center?+
Charitable free clinics are usually run by volunteers and nonprofits and offer care at no cost to those who qualify. Community health centers (FQHCs) are federally funded, charge on a sliding scale by income, and accept Medicaid, Medicare, and the uninsured.
What services do free and low-cost clinics offer?+
Most offer primary care, checkups, sick visits, chronic-disease management (like diabetes and blood pressure), immunizations, women's health, and basic lab work. Many also have dental, behavioral health, and discounted prescription programs.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to use a free clinic?+
Community health centers and many free clinics serve everyone in the community regardless of immigration status. You will not be turned away based on citizenship, and most do not require a Social Security number.
Does Texas Health Help run a clinic?+
No. We are a community nonprofit that helps Texans understand their options and connect to trusted free and low-cost clinics. We don't provide direct medical care, but our navigation help is always free.
No insurance and worried about coverage? See if you qualify for Texas Medicaid — it may cover your care at little or no cost.
Disclaimer: Texas Health Help (Community Health Access Hub Texas) is a community nonprofit, not a medical provider or government agency. We do not provide medical care, determine eligibility, or approve benefits. This page is general educational information — always confirm services, costs, and hours directly with the clinic.
Looking for more help? Browse all Texas Health Help resources.