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Free & Low-Cost Clinics in Austin, TX (2026)

Community health centers, free clinics, and sliding-scale medical care for Austin residents -- no insurance required

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Quick Answer

Yes, Austin has an estimated 25+ free and low-cost clinics including Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and free clinics. You do not need health insurance, a Social Security number, or immigration documents. FQHCs use a sliding fee scale based on your income -- if you earn at or below the federal poverty level, your visit may cost $0.

Find the nearest health center at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov or call 211 for local referrals.

Austin Health Care at a Glance

25+

Free/Low-Cost Clinics

Yes

FQHC Available

No

Medicaid Expanded

Free to sliding scale

Typical Cost

Services Available at Austin Community Health Centers

AvailablePrimary Care
AvailableDental
AvailableMental Health
AvailableSubstance Abuse Treatment
LimitedVision
AvailablePharmacy / 340B Rx

Service availability varies by location. Call ahead or check findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov for specific services at each site.

Medicaid in Texas (Not Expanded)

Texas has NOT expanded Medicaid as of 2026. Many low-income adults in Austin fall into the coverage gap -- earning too much for traditional Medicaid but too little for marketplace subsidies. Community health centers (FQHCs) are critical here: they serve uninsured patients on a sliding fee scale regardless of Medicaid status. Some Austin residents may qualify for traditional Medicaid based on disability, pregnancy, or having dependent children.

Notable Health Resources in Austin

NameTypeDescription
CommUnityCare Health CentersFQHCCentral Texas FQHC with 30+ locations providing primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services.
Lone Star Circle of CareFQHCCommunity health centers in the Austin metro area offering primary care, dental, and behavioral health on a sliding fee scale.
People's Community ClinicFree ClinicNonprofit community health center serving uninsured and underinsured Central Texas residents since 1970.

How to Find Free or Low-Cost Care in Austin

  1. 1

    Search the HRSA Health Center Finder

    Visit findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov and enter your Austin zip code. This is the official federal database of all Federally Qualified Health Centers. Every FQHC listed is required by law to see you regardless of insurance or ability to pay.

  2. 2

    Check NeedyMeds for Free Clinics

    Visit needymeds.org/free-clinics to find volunteer-staffed free clinics in Austin that charge nothing. NeedyMeds also lists prescription assistance programs and discount drug cards.

  3. 3

    Call 211 for Local Referrals

    Dial 211 from any phone (free, confidential, available 24/7). Tell them you need free or low-cost medical care in Austin. They can connect you with health centers, free clinics, prescription assistance, and other local resources.

  4. 4

    Contact Your Local Health Department

    Your local health department in Austin may operate its own clinics providing immunizations, STD testing, family planning, and primary care. They can also help you apply for Medicaid or marketplace insurance.

  5. 5

    Check Community & Faith-Based Organizations

    Many churches, nonprofits, and community organizations in Austinoffer free health screenings, dental days, and medication assistance. Organizations like the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (nafcclinics.org) can help you find these resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there free clinics in Austin, TX?
Yes. Austin has Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and free clinics that provide medical care on a sliding fee scale based on your income. If you earn at or below the federal poverty level, your visit may cost nothing. You do not need insurance, ID, or immigration documents. Visit findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov to find the nearest location.
Do I need insurance to go to a free clinic in Austin?
No. FQHCs and free clinics in Austin serve everyone regardless of insurance status. If you have Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance they will bill it. If you are uninsured, you pay on a sliding fee scale based on income -- often $0 to $20 per visit for low-income patients.
Can I get dental care at a free clinic in Austin?
Many community health centers in Austin offer dental services including cleanings, fillings, and extractions on a sliding fee scale. Not all locations have dental, so call ahead or check the HRSA health center finder. Dental schools and charitable dental programs are also options for free or low-cost dental care.
Does Texas have Medicaid expansion?
No. As of 2026, Texas has not expanded Medicaid. This means many low-income adults fall into the "coverage gap" -- earning too much for traditional Medicaid but too little for marketplace subsidies. Community health centers and free clinics are especially important in Texas for uninsured residents.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not medical or legal advice. Clinic locations, services, hours, and fees may change. Always call ahead to confirm availability, accepted insurance, and sliding fee scale eligibility. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. For mental health crises, call or text 988.

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