Where do I go? By urgency
| Situation | Where to go |
|---|---|
| Chest pain, trouble breathing, serious accident | 911 or the emergency room. They must treat you even without insurance or money. |
| Fever, infection, a cut that needs stitches | Urgent care. Much cheaper than the ER — ask the cash price first. |
| Checkups, diabetes, blood pressure, medications | Community clinic or primary care doctor |
| Emotional crisis or thoughts of self-harm | Call or text 988 |
Free and low-cost clinics
- Free clinics: Shepherd’s Hope and Grace Medical Home serve uninsured, low-income adults.
- Community health centers (FQHCs): Orange Blossom Family Health, Community Health Centers and others. They charge by income (sliding scale) and see everyone.
- Your county Health Department: vaccines, family planning, WIC and the forms schools require.
If you already went to the hospital and got a bill
Nonprofit hospitals like AdventHealth and Orlando Health have financial assistance programs that can reduce or forgive your bill based on income. Call the number on the bill and ask for the “financial assistance” or “charity care” application. You can also negotiate an interest-free payment plan.
How to get health insurance
- The Marketplace (Obamacare): at healthcare.gov. Open enrollment runs November 1 – January 15. Moving to a new state can qualify you for a special enrollment period in some cases. Depending on income, subsidies can lower the premium dramatically.
- Medicaid: in Florida it is mostly for low-income children, pregnant women, people with disabilities and seniors. Apply through ACCESS Florida.
- Florida KidCare: free or low-cost coverage for children, based on family income.
- Through your job: ask when you become eligible — often after 60 or 90 days.
Rules for immigrants vary by status. Many citizen children qualify even if their parents don’t. If you’re worried about “public charge,” ask an immigration organization before applying.
Affordable dentists
- Several community health centers have dental clinics with income-based fees.
- Dental hygiene schools at local colleges offer very low-cost cleanings by supervised students.
- Dental discount plans aren’t insurance, but lower prices at participating dentists.
- Many Latino dentists offer cash prices and payment plans. Ask about a “new patient” special.
Cheaper medications
- Always ask for the generic version.
- Use free discount cards (like GoodRx) and compare pharmacies — prices can vary enormously.
- Ask your community clinic whether it has a reduced-price pharmacy.
Frequently asked questions
Will an emergency room treat me without insurance or papers?
Yes. Under federal law (EMTALA), emergency rooms must screen and stabilize anyone, regardless of insurance, ability to pay or immigration status.
Where are free clinics in Orlando?
Shepherd’s Hope and Grace Medical Home offer free care to uninsured, low-income adults. Community health centers charge based on income.
This guide is informational and is not a substitute for advice from a lawyer or other professional. Laws and requirements change — always confirm with the official source. See something out of date? Email us at hola@soyorlando.com.