How FQHCs Can Help You Get Health Insurance

Most community health centers have eligibility workers on staff who can enroll you in Medicaid, CHIP, or Marketplace coverage — for free.

Millions of Americans who qualify for free or low-cost health insurance haven't enrolled. FQHCs can help fix that — and it costs nothing.

What Enrollment Help Do FQHCs Offer?

Most FQHCs have eligibility workers, Certified Application Counselors (CACs), or Navigators on staff. They can:

• Determine whether you qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or an ACA Marketplace plan
• Complete the application on your behalf
• Follow up with the state agency
• Help you choose a plan if you're enrolling in the Marketplace
• Assist with annual renewals

This service is free. They are not selling insurance — they're helping you access benefits you may already qualify for.

Who Might Qualify?

Medicaid covers low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly, and disabled individuals. In the 40 states (plus DC) that expanded Medicaid under the ACA, adults up to 138% of the federal poverty level qualify — that's ~$20,000/year for a single person in 2025.

CHIP covers children in families who earn too much for Medicaid but can't afford private insurance — generally up to 200–300% FPL depending on the state.

ACA Marketplace plans are available to people with incomes from 100–400% FPL. Subsidies can reduce premiums to as little as $0/month for lower incomes.

How to Get Help at an FQHC

When you check in for any visit, just say: *"I'm uninsured and I'd like to find out if I qualify for Medicaid."*

Or call ahead: *"Do you have someone who can help me apply for Medicaid or CHIP?"*

They'll connect you with the right person. Bring:

• Photo ID
• Proof of income (pay stub, tax return, or self-attestation)
• Social Security numbers for household members if available
• Any current insurance documentation

What If I'm Undocumented?

Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for federal Medicaid in most states (exceptions include emergency Medicaid and some state programs). However, FQHCs still serve undocumented patients on the sliding fee scale, and some states have expanded coverage regardless of immigration status. Ask the clinic what options exist in your state.

Why This Matters

Having Medicaid doesn't just reduce your FQHC copay to near-zero — it also covers specialist visits, hospitalizations, prescriptions, and emergency care that the FQHC sliding fee scale doesn't cover. If you qualify, enrolling is one of the highest-impact things you can do for your health.