5 ways to find affordable care without health insurance

February 2, 2026 / 5:00 AM EST / KFF Health News

5 ways to find affordable care without health insurance

TL;DR

  • Health policy changes could result in millions losing Medicaid or ACA coverage.
  • Discussing costs with doctors may lead to cash pay options or negotiable prices.
  • Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and community clinics offer low-cost care based on a sliding scale.
  • Local health departments can provide free or low-cost services like vaccinations and screenings.
  • Shopping around for prescription drugs, utilizing discount tools, and exploring patient assistance programs can lower medication costs.
  • Disease-specific foundations can offer financial assistance and resources for specialized treatments.
  • Be cautious of plans that appear cheap but lack comprehensive coverage or essential benefits.