Healthcare Options for Single Parents
Find affordable healthcare options for you and your children, including insurance programs, free clinics, and assistance programs.
Health Insurance Options
Eligibility:
Income-based, varies by state (typically 138% of federal poverty level)
Coverage:
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage
Cost:
Free or very low cost
Key Benefits:
- No or low monthly premiums
- Low or no copays
- Covers preventive care
- Includes children's coverage
- Emergency services covered
How to Apply:
Apply through your state Medicaid office or Healthcare.gov
Eligibility:
Children up to age 19, income limits vary by state
Coverage:
Comprehensive coverage including routine check-ups, immunizations, prescriptions
Cost:
Low monthly premiums, typically $15-60/month
Key Benefits:
- Affordable monthly premiums
- Covers routine check-ups
- Immunizations included
- Dental and vision care
- Emergency services
How to Apply:
Apply through your state CHIP program or Healthcare.gov
Eligibility:
Income between 100-400% of federal poverty level
Coverage:
Essential health benefits, varies by plan
Cost:
Varies, but subsidies can significantly reduce premiums
Key Benefits:
- Premium tax credits available
- Cost-sharing reductions
- Choice of plans and providers
- Covers pre-existing conditions
- Essential health benefits
How to Apply:
Apply through Healthcare.gov during open enrollment
Free & Low-Cost Healthcare
Services Available:
Cost:
Sliding fee scale based on income
Find Locations:
Use HRSA Find a Health Center tool online
Services Available:
Cost:
Completely free
Find Locations:
Search National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics directory
Services Available:
Cost:
Sliding fee scale or free
Find Locations:
Contact your local health department
Services Available:
Cost:
Usually free for students
Find Locations:
Ask your child's school about available services
Prescription Drug Assistance
Eligibility:
Income-based, typically 200-500% of federal poverty level
Potential Savings:
Free medications or significant discounts
How to Apply:
Apply directly through drug manufacturer websites
Eligibility:
Available to everyone, no income requirements
Potential Savings:
10-80% off retail prices
How to Apply:
Download app or print coupons from website
Eligibility:
Patients of qualifying health centers
Potential Savings:
Significant discounts on prescription drugs
How to Apply:
Ask if your healthcare provider participates
Eligibility:
Varies by state and program
Potential Savings:
Varies, often substantial discounts
How to Apply:
Contact your state health department
Emergency Healthcare Resources
Medical Emergency
Immediate Action:
Call 911 or go to nearest emergency room
Cost Information:
Emergency rooms cannot turn you away due to inability to pay
Follow-Up:
Apply for charity care or payment plans after treatment
Mental Health Crisis
Immediate Action:
Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to emergency room
Cost Information:
Crisis services are often free or low-cost
Follow-Up:
Connect with ongoing mental health services
Urgent Care Needs
Immediate Action:
Visit urgent care center or retail clinic
Cost Information:
Less expensive than emergency room
Follow-Up:
Follow up with primary care provider
Prescription Emergency
Immediate Action:
Contact pharmacy for emergency supply or call prescribing doctor
Cost Information:
May need to pay out of pocket temporarily
Follow-Up:
Work with doctor to find affordable alternatives
Preventive Care Checklist
Most insurance plans cover preventive care at no cost to you. Stay healthy with regular check-ups and screenings.
- Annual physical exam
- Blood pressure screening
- Cholesterol screening
- Diabetes screening
- Cancer screenings (mammogram, colonoscopy, Pap smear)
- Immunizations
- Well-child visits
- Immunizations
- Vision and hearing screenings
- Developmental assessments
- Dental check-ups
- Mental health screenings
- Annual gynecological exam
- Breast cancer screening
- Cervical cancer screening
- Contraceptive counseling
- Prenatal care
- Postpartum care
Your Healthcare Action Plan
Immediate Steps
- 1Apply for Medicaid or CHIP if eligible
- 2Find local community health centers
- 3Research prescription assistance programs
- 4Schedule preventive care appointments
Important Numbers
Emergency: 911
Crisis Lifeline: 988
Healthcare.gov: 1-800-318-2596
Find Health Centers: findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov