Not having insurance does not mean not having options.
How sliding fee scales work. Federally qualified health centers charge based on your household income and size rather than a fixed price. You provide proof of income, such as a pay stub, your last tax return, a notarized statement from your employer, or a statement of benefits, and your fees are set accordingly. These centers also accept most insurance, including KanCare, Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial plans.
GraceMed Health Clinic (gracemed.org). A nonprofit community health center with more than a dozen Wichita locations providing medical, dental, vision, and behavioral health services. They accept insurance of any kind, and uninsured patients are charged on a sliding fee scale.
Hunter Health (hunterhealth.org). A Wichita community health center offering medical, dental, and behavioral health services with the same approach.
HealthCore Clinic (healthcoreclinic.org). A federally qualified health center offering primary care, behavioral health, dental, and women’s health.
Guadalupe Clinic. Provides care to uninsured and medically underserved patients at no cost to those who qualify, with a small donation suggested but never required.
What these clinics typically cover. Primary care, sick visits, chronic illness management, immunizations, school and sports physicals, prevention and wellness, prenatal care, dental, vision, behavioral health, case management, and testing services.
If you might qualify for coverage, Kansas uses HealthCare.gov, and losing coverage on a parent’s plan at 26 opens a 60-day special enrollment window.
Sources: GraceMed, gracemed.org; Hunter Health, hunterhealth.org; HealthCore Clinic, healthcoreclinic.org; National Health Care for the Homeless Council grantee profile for GraceMed, nhchc.org; Kansas Department of Health and Environment community health resource listings, kdhe.ks.gov. Confirm current locations, hours, and services with each clinic.