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

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

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Quick Answer

Yes, San Antonio has an estimated 30+ 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.

San Antonio Health Care at a Glance

30+

Free/Low-Cost Clinics

Yes

FQHC Available

No

Medicaid Expanded

Free to sliding scale

Typical Cost

Services Available at San Antonio 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio residents may qualify for traditional Medicaid based on disability, pregnancy, or having dependent children.

Notable Health Resources in San Antonio

NameTypeDescription
University Health SystemPublic HospitalBexar County's public hospital system providing care to uninsured residents through University Hospital and community health centers.
CommuniCare Health CentersFQHCLargest FQHC in San Antonio with 20+ locations providing primary care, dental, behavioral health, and WIC services.
San Antonio Christian Dental ClinicFree ClinicVolunteer-run free dental clinic providing extractions, fillings, and cleanings to uninsured and underinsured patients.

How to Find Free or Low-Cost Care in San Antonio

  1. 1

    Search the HRSA Health Center Finder

    Visit findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov and enter your San Antonio 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio. 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 San Antonio 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 San Antoniooffer 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 San Antonio, TX?
Yes. San Antonio 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 San Antonio?
No. FQHCs and free clinics in San Antonio 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 San Antonio?
Many community health centers in San Antonio 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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