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Medical & Mental Health
Sliding-scale clinics, hospital charity care, and financial assistance for medical and mental health needs.
Medical and Mental Health
The cost of medical care is the number one reason men avoid seeing a doctor. That is a tragedy, because most hospitals in America are legally required to provide free or reduced-cost care to those who cannot afford it — and most men never ask.
This page lists the programs and tools that exist precisely for the man who has no insurance, high deductibles, or a bill he cannot pay.
THE LAW IS ON YOUR SIDE
Every nonprofit hospital in the U.S. is required by the Affordable Care Act to have a written financial assistance policy, and most are required to offer free or reduced-cost care to patients below certain income thresholds.
You have to ask — and this page shows you how.
Free and Low-Cost Clinics
HRSA Find a Health Center
The federal tool for finding HRSA-funded health centers. These clinics serve everyone regardless of ability to pay — fees are on a sliding scale based on income.
Enter your address, city, or county to find centers near you.
Hill-Burton Free and Reduced-Cost Care
A federal program that provides free or reduced-cost medical care at participating facilities. If your income is at or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you may qualify.
Applies to specific services; check the facility list.
National Health Care for the Homeless Council
Find a Health Care for the Homeless provider in your state. These clinics serve people experiencing homelessness, and many serve anyone in need.
Community Health Centers
The National Association of Community Health Centers maintains its own directory of federally qualified health centers.
Hospital Bills and Financial Assistance
If you have a hospital bill you cannot pay, the worst thing you can do is ignore it. Every nonprofit hospital has a financial assistance program. Call the hospital's billing office and ask these questions:
- Do you have a financial assistance or charity care policy?
- What are the income limits to qualify?
- What paperwork do I need to apply?
- Can you pause the bill while my application is reviewed?
- Do you offer an interest-free payment plan?
Also ask for a copy of the itemized bill and compare it against the hospital's price transparency file — hospitals are required by federal law to publish their standard prices.
CMS — Hospital Price Transparency
Federal rule requiring hospitals to publish their standard charges. Use this to verify your bill.
Medicare Rights Center
1-800-333-4114
Helps people with Medicare understand their rights and access care.
Patient Advocate Foundation
1-800-532-5274
Free case management for patients facing chronic, life-threatening, or debilitating illness — including help with insurance denials and financial aid.
Mental Health Resources
SAMHSA National Helpline
1-800-662-4357
24/7 treatment referral and information for mental health and substance use.
Open Path Collective
Affordable therapy — sessions between $30 and $80 for individuals, couples, and families who cannot afford standard rates.
Sources
- Health Resources and Services Administration — Find a Health Center: findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov
- HRSA — Hill-Burton: hrsa.gov
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services — Hospital Price Transparency: cms.gov