If you have no insurance and cannot afford a doctor visit, here is how to get telehealth care for free or close to it.
Most commercial telehealth services charge $35 to $90 per visit. That fee is fixed regardless of income. For people who cannot cover that cost, many federally funded community health centers offer virtual doctor visits at rates set by household income — including at no cost for patients below a certain income level.
This page covers telehealth options that are free or income-based. Commercial telehealth apps that charge a per-visit fee, such as Sesame and MDLive, are covered separately at the guide to affordable telehealth app services. For in-person care at a free clinic, see the sliding fee community clinic page.
Community health centers: sliding-scale virtual care
The federal government funds roughly 1,400 community health center organizations through the Health Resources and Services Administration, or HRSA. These centers — formally called Federally Qualified Health Centers, or FQHCs — are required by federal law to charge patients on a sliding scale tied to household income and family size. Patients below a set income level pay nothing. Patients above it pay a reduced rate based on what they earn. The sliding-scale fee applies whether the visit is in person or by telehealth.
Many, if not most, of these health centers now offer telehealth appointments — video or phone visits for primary care, mental health, chronic disease management, prenatal care, and pediatrics. You do not need to travel to the clinic to receive the income-based rate.
To find the federally funded health center nearest you, use the HRSA locator at https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/. Enter your address and it returns contact information for every HRSA-funded center in your area. Call the nearest one, tell them you are uninsured, and ask whether they offer telehealth appointments and how to apply for the sliding fee discount program. The application typically requires proof of income — a recent pay stub, a tax return, or a written statement of no income — and approval usually runs for one year. There is also a list of local community clinics at needhelppayingbills, which may include options outside of the HRSA tool.
Services vary by location, but most centers cover primary care, behavioral health, and pediatrics. If the center nearest you does not currently offer telehealth, ask whether a phone consultation is available or whether a partner site does.
Medicaid: telehealth is covered for patients who qualify
Medicaid covers telehealth in every state. For enrolled patients, a telehealth visit with an in-network provider costs $0 to $4 in most states, depending on your plan.
Many people who qualify for Medicaid have not enrolled. Income limits vary by state, but a single adult earning under roughly $20,000 a year may qualify in most states, and limits are higher for families with children. Pregnant women and children qualify at higher thresholds. To check eligibility without committing to a marketplace plan, go to healthcare.gov and use the screening tool at https://www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip/ Medicaid enrollment is open year-round — there is no waiting period for an open enrollment window.
If you have children who need care, also check CHIP — the Children's Health Insurance Program. CHIP covers children in households with income too high for Medicaid but too low for private coverage. Telehealth is covered under CHIP in most states. Find your state's program at https://www.insurekidsnow.gov/. Or see our guide to CHIP insurance.
VA telehealth for veterans
Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare can use VA Video Connect for telehealth appointments at no cost. The program covers primary care, mental health, chronic disease management, and a growing range of specialty services. Veterans who are not yet enrolled can apply at https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply. Once enrolled, telehealth appointments are requested through your VA primary care team or through the VA Health and Benefits mobile app.
What telehealth cannot do
Telehealth works for conditions a doctor can assess by watching and listening. It cannot order imaging, draw blood, or perform a physical examination. For symptoms that require those things, a telehealth visit can still help you understand the next step — a provider can review what you describe, rule out what they can, and direct you to the right type of in-person care. If you are having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you receive a bill after a visit that you cannot pay, see what options people have to get medical bill help, as it is possible to get assistance.
Disclaimer: Income limits, covered services, and program availability vary by location and are subject to change. Verify current eligibility requirements directly with your community health center, state Medicaid office, or the VA before relying on any details on this page. This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
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