Many San Antonio residents don’t have health insurance — that’s exactly who these clinics serve. Here in San Antonio, “no insurance” doesn’t have to mean “no care.” There are free and low-cost clinics across the city where you can get checkups, dental work, prescriptions, and more — many on a sliding scale that drops to $0 if your income is low. Here’s where to go.
Key takeaways
- Free or nearly free care: San Antonio’s Federally Qualified Health Centers charge on a sliding scale — care can be $0 if you’re low-income, no insurance required.
- Major clinic networks: CentroMed and CommuniCare offer free/low-cost primary care, dental, behavioral health, and prescriptions.
- Free prescriptions: Ask about sliding-scale pharmacies and manufacturer programs that make medications free.
- Long-term fix: You may qualify for free Medicaid or low-cost CHIP — apply any time at YourTexasBenefits.com or call 2-1-1.
In this guide
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
- Free clinic nights and charity clinics
- What about prescriptions?
- The long-term fix: get covered
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
These clinics charge on a sliding fee scale based on your income. Ask the clinic about its sliding-fee scale when you call. They provide primary care, dental, behavioral health, and prescriptions. Major San Antonio FQHC networks include CentroMed and CommuniCare. Some, like CentroMed, advertise walk-in clinics. Hours vary — call ahead to confirm.
Free clinic nights and charity clinics
For additional free or low-cost options, call 2-1-1 for current clinic listings. 2-1-1 can point you to the ones currently operating near your ZIP code, all at no cost.
What about prescriptions?
Ask your clinic about prescription assistance programs. Don’t skip medications over cost — tell the provider.
The long-term fix: get covered
If your income is low, you may qualify for free Medicaid — and your kids may qualify for CHIP even if you don’t. Apply at YourTexasBenefits.com or call 2-1-1, select your language, and choose Option 2 for state benefits. Open enrollment isn’t a barrier for Medicaid/CHIP: you can apply any time of year. Pregnant women should also look into WIC (healthy food + nutrition counseling) at texaswic.org/apply or 800-942-3678 — and Medicaid covers pregnancy care for qualifying moms.
Get matched to every health benefit
One free application through our Apply for Me program checks your eligibility for Medicaid, CHIP, clinic programs, prescription help, and more — with step-by-step instructions for each.
