Question 1

What if I don't have insurance?

Accepted Answer

Apply for Medicaid at Healthcare.gov or your state Medicaid office — pregnant women, parents, and low-income adults qualify in expansion states. While waiting, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) charge sliding-scale based on income for full primary, dental, mental health, and women's health care. Find one at FindAHealthCenter.hrsa.gov.

Question 2

Where do I get free women's health care?

Accepted Answer

Planned Parenthood and FQHCs provide free or sliding-scale Pap smears, mammogram referrals, birth control, STI testing, and prenatal care. The CDC's National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program funds free screenings in every state — call 1-800-CDC-INFO. Title X clinics offer confidential family planning regardless of income or insurance.

Question 3

What if I'm pregnant and uninsured?

Accepted Answer

Apply for pregnancy Medicaid immediately at your state Medicaid office or Healthcare.gov — pregnant women have higher income limits than regular Medicaid (up to 200% FPL in most states) and coverage starts retroactively. WIC enrollment also opens additional referrals. Most states have extended postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months after birth.

Question 4

Can I get free birth control?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most insurance (including Medicaid) covers all FDA-approved birth control at $0 under the ACA. Without insurance, Title X clinics and Planned Parenthood provide free or sliding-scale contraception including IUDs, implants, pills, and emergency contraception. Bedsider.org's clinic finder shows free/low-cost options near you.

Illinois Department of Public Health

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