How Can Low-Income Americans Get Health Care Beyond Medicare and Medicaid?

If you're low-income and don’t qualify for Medicare or Medicaid, you still have multiple healthcare safety nets available.

Between CHIP for children, Marketplace subsidies, community clinics, and senior programs, help is there—often more affordable than you think.

If you could use a little extra help, see what benefits you can claim here.

Here are other safe and affordable healthcare pathways to consider:
 

1. Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

• Covers children (and in many states, pregnant women) in families who earn too much for Medicaid but still need financial help.

• Each state runs CHIP differently, check your state’s eligibility rules. 
   

2. Health Insurance Marketplace Plans with Subsidies

• Through the ACA, you can enroll in a private plan via HealthCare.gov or your state’s marketplace (e.g. Covered California).

• Income-based premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions make premiums affordable, even $0 per month for many.

• Expanded subsidies in effect through 2025 offer significant savings. 

• If your income changes (e.g. job loss, marriage, new baby), a Special Enrollment Period allows you to enroll anytime. 
   

3. Basic Health Program (BHP)

• Offered in select states for individuals who earn too much for Medicaid but still qualify for ACA coverage.

• Provides lower-cost plans than the standard marketplace. 
   

4. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)

• Community clinics providing primary and preventive care on a sliding-fee basis, regardless of income or insurance status.

• Especially helpful if you're uninsured, underinsured, or uninsured due to immigration status. Services include medical, dental, mental health, and vaccinations. 
   

5. Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

• Available in 33 states, PACE supports adults 55+ who are medically eligible for nursing home care but wish to remain at home.

• Provides coordinated care—including medical, home services, transport—funded by Medicare and Medicaid. 
   

6. Prescription Assistance Programs

• Programs like GoodRx, manufacturer-sponsored Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs), and Medicare’s Extra Help offer free or low-cost prescription medications.

• Can dramatically lower drug costs for individuals on limited incomes. 
   

7. Health Care Sharing Ministries (Note: Not insurance)

• Alternative, faith-based communities where members share healthcare costs.

• Not regulated like insurance and not suitable for emergencies or serious conditions.

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