Chicago, IL

Free Clinics

Mercy to Mankind Clinic

6201 N California Ave

Provides free primary care to uninsured, low-income individuals. Income must be below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Photo ID required. Open Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

IAMACF Free Health Clinic

2645 W Peterson Ave

Provides free primary care, specialty services, lab tests, and limited pharmacy services to the uninsured and underinsured. ID required. Open Friday evenings (5:00 PM-9:00 PM), Saturdays, and Sundays (10:00 AM-2:00 PM).

Norma Jean Sanders Free Clinic

1049 E. 46th Street

Provides free basic health services .Walk-in clinics are open Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There are no residency or income requirements, and anyone with a medical need is welcome.

Bridgeport Free Clinic

3001 S Lowe Ave

Run by students at the University of Chicago, this clinic provides free medical care to Bridgeport and other Chicago residents, especially those of Asian descent. It serves people regardless of insurance or immigration status. It has interpreters in Mandarin and Cantonese, and virtual interpretation is available in other languages.

Community Health

2611 W. Chicago Ave

One of the largest free, voluntary health clinics in the country. Serves adults only who are uninsured (or have special immigrant health benefits such as HBIA/HBIS). Provides a wide range of services, including primary care, over 20 specialty services, pharmaceuticals, labs, mental health, and health education,free of charge. Proof of address, income, and ID required. Income must be below 300% of FPL.

How to Apply for Free Clinics?

Check the criteria: Most free clinics serve adults who are uninsured, low-income, and not eligible for Medicaid or Medicare. Each clinic has its own rules, so call or check their website.

Documentation: You may be required to provide the following:

Photo ID
Proof of income
Proof of address

Contact: Call or check their website to see if you need an appointment or if you can come in and see them. Ask how they sign up new patients.

Be prepared: Bring your documents and arrive a little early to fill out the form if you have an appointment.

Important Note: Many free clinics, such as the Bridgeport Free Clinic, state that they provide care regardless of immigration status. Your status should not prevent you from receiving medical care.

Other Free and Low-Cost options

In addition to the hospitals mentioned above, there are other options

Free Hospitals

Low Cost Hospitals

Other Free Hospitals

Hayat Free Community Clinic (6350 N. Maplewood Ave): Walk-in services are available Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.

The Night Ministry: Mobile clinic serving the homeless. Provides emergency care, testing, and mental health counseling. Uses a translation app.

Interprofessional Community Clinic (3471 Green Bay Rd, North Chicago): This clinic serves the uninsured and clearly lists Mongolian language services on its website! It operates on Thursday evenings, once a month on Wednesday evenings, and 1-2 times a month on Saturday mornings.

Illinois Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (IAFCC): Their website lists over 40 free clinics in Illinois. You can search for a clinic near you.

Community Health Centers (Low Cost / Income-Based Pricing)

These are not always free, but they are an important resource. Called Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), they are designed to serve everyone, regardless of insurance, immigration status, or ability to pay.

Income-based pricing: Pricing is based on your income. If your income is very low, the fee may be very low or free.No one is turned away for inability to pay.

Services: Provides comprehensive care including primary care, dental care, and mental health.

Language Support: The City of Chicago website states that some Public Health Centers may offer services in Mongolian. Please call the centers to inquire.

Don't Be Afraid to Get Help!

Know that you can get help even if you don’t have health insurance.

There are many options, including free clinics like Mercy to Mankind and Bridgeport, or Interprofessional Community Clinics and Community Health Centers, which may have Mongolian language support.

Do your research and call them to ask about services, eligibility, and language support. Your health is important!

If you have experience with these hospitals, or know of other hospitals, please leave a comment below.

Thank you very much to our sister Sainaa Sainaa for sharing this important information with our team.