Getting sick or injured is stressful enough. Worrying about how you’ll pay for a doctor visit when you don’t have insurance makes it even worse. Many people in Syracuse avoid going to the doctor because they’re afraid of the cost—but that fear can lead to bigger health problems down the road.
Here’s something important you should know: Syracuse Community Health welcomes ALL patients, whether or not you have insurance. Nearly 1 in 10 people in Syracuse don’t have health insurance, and we’re here to make sure everyone gets the care they need. You don’t need insurance to see a doctor, get your prescriptions, or take care of your health.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know about getting healthcare without insurance in Syracuse.
What Is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)?
Syracuse Community Health is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). That might sound complicated, but it’s actually great news for you.
Here’s what it means:
We are legally required to serve everyone in our community, regardless of their ability to pay. This isn’t just a nice promise—it’s federal law. FQHCs receive special funding to make sure that everyone has access to quality healthcare, whether you have insurance, Medicaid, or no coverage at all.
Other benefits of FQHCs:
-
- Sliding fee scales based on your income (more on this below)
-
- Comprehensive services under one roof (medical, dental, vision, behavioral health)
-
- High-quality care that meets strict federal standards
-
- A focus on prevention and keeping you healthy long-term
Think of Syracuse Community Health as your healthcare safety net. We’re here to catch you, no matter your financial situation.
Understanding Sliding Fee Scales: How They Work
One of the most important things we offer is a sliding fee scale. This is a payment system in which your payment is based on your household income and family size. The less you earn, the less you pay.
Here’s How It Works:
Step 1: When you come in for your first appointment, you’ll fill out a brief form about your household income. You’ll need to bring proof of income, such as:
-
- Recent pay stubs
-
- Tax returns
-
- Unemployment documentation
-
- Social Security statements
-
- A letter stating you have no income (if applicable)
Step 2: Based on your income and family size, we calculate what you can afford to pay using the federal poverty guidelines.
Step 3: You receive a discount on all services based on your sliding fee scale level.
Real Examples:
Here’s what the sliding fee scale might look like (these are examples—actual fees are determined at your appointment):
-
- Single person earning $15,000/year: Might pay $20-30 per visit instead of $100+
-
- Family of 4 earning $35,000/year: Might pay $25-40 per visit
-
- Family of 3 earning $50,000/year: Might pay a moderate fee based on their percentage of the federal poverty level
Important: Even if you can’t pay anything right away, we will still see you. We will work with you to figure out a payment plan or find other resources to help.
What You Need to Bring:
Make it easy on yourself—bring these documents to your first appointment:
-
- Photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)
-
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease agreement)
-
- Proof of income for everyone in your household
-
- Social Security cards for all household members
Don’t have all these documents? Come anyway. We’ll work with you to figure it out.
Services Available at Syracuse Community Health (Without Insurance)
You might think that without insurance, you can only get basic care. That’s not true at Syracuse Community Health. We offer comprehensive services, all at our sliding fee scale prices:
Medical Services:
-
- Primary care for adults, children, and families
-
- Urgent care at our Quick Care location (819 S. Salina St.)
-
- Chronic disease management (diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma)
-
- Preventive care (annual checkups, cancer screenings, immunizations)
-
- Women’s health (pregnancy care, family planning, gynecology)
-
- Pediatrics (well-child visits, sick visits, vaccinations)
Additional Services:
-
- Dental care (cleanings, fillings, extractions)
-
- Vision care (eye exams, glasses)
-
- Behavioral health (counseling, mental health support, addiction treatment)
-
- Pharmacy assistance (help with prescription costs)
-
- Lab and X-ray (on-site testing)
-
- Referrals to specialists when needed
Everything is available to patients regardless of insurance status. That means you can get comprehensive care in one place without worrying about whether you can afford it.
How to Become a Patient (Even Without Insurance)
Ready to get started? It’s easier than you think.
Step 1: Call Us
Phone: 315-476-7921
When you call, just let us know:
-
- You’d like to become a new patient
-
- Whether you have insurance or need sliding fee scale information
-
- If you have any urgent health concerns
Our friendly staff will help you schedule your first appointment. We have same-week appointments available at most of our locations.
Step 2: Complete Your Forms
To save time, you can download and complete your patient registration forms before your first visit. They’re available in English and Spanish on our website.
Forms you’ll need:
-
- New patient registration
-
- Medical history
-
- Consent for treatment
-
- Sliding fee scale application (if no insurance)
Already filled these out? Bring them with you to your appointment.
Step 3: Come to Your Appointment
What to bring:
-
- Completed forms (if you have them)
-
- Photo ID
-
- Insurance card (if you have insurance)
-
- Income documentation (for sliding fee scale)
-
- List of current medications
-
- List of questions for your doctor
Remember: “We never turn away patients due to inability to pay.” This is our promise to you.
Choose Your Location:
We have 5 convenient locations across Syracuse:
-
- 930 S. Salina Street – Our main comprehensive care center
-
- 819 S. Salina Street – Quick Care (walk-ins welcome)
-
- 1120 E. Fayette Street – Neighborhood location
-
- 2020 Oswego Street – Community clinic
-
- Onondaga Community College – Quick Care for students and community
All locations offer medical care with sliding-fee-scale options. Choose the one closest to you!
Other Resources for Uninsured Patients in Syracuse
Syracuse Community Health can help with more than just medical care. We can also help you:
Get Health Insurance Coverage:
New York State of Health Marketplace: We have trained staff who can help you:
-
- Determine if you qualify for insurance subsidies
-
- Compare different insurance plans
-
- Enroll in coverage during open enrollment
-
- Understand your options
Medicaid Application Assistance: Many people qualify for Medicaid but don’t know it. We can help you:
-
- See if you’re eligible
-
- Complete the application
-
- Submit required documents
-
- Follow up on your application status
Emergency Medicaid: If you need emergency care and meet income requirements, you might qualify for Emergency Medicaid retroactively. We can help with this process.
Prescription Assistance:
Can’t afford your medications? We can connect you with:
-
- Pharmaceutical company patient assistance programs
-
- Discount prescription programs
-
- Generic alternatives that cost less
-
- Community pharmacy resources
Specialty Care:
Need to see a specialist but worried about cost? We have:
-
- A network of specialists who work with uninsured patients
-
- Programs that help with specialty care costs
-
- Referral assistance and care coordination
Frequently Asked Questions
“Do I need to prove I can’t afford care?”
No one is required to prove they’re struggling financially. If you come to us and say you need help with costs, we believe you. The income documentation is simply to help us determine the appropriate sliding fee scale level—but if you don’t have that documentation right away, we’ll still see you.
“Will this affect my credit score?”
No. We don’t report to credit agencies. Medical care at Syracuse Community Health will not impact your credit.
“Can I get prescriptions without insurance?”
Yes! Our providers can write prescriptions whether you have insurance or not. We can also help you find discount programs and generic alternatives to lower your medication costs. Some medications are even available at reduced cost through our pharmacy assistance programs.
“What if I need specialty care?”
If you need to see a specialist (like a cardiologist, orthopedist, or surgeon), your Syracuse Community Health provider will refer you. We have relationships with many specialists in the area who also work with uninsured patients. We’ll help coordinate your care and find affordable options.
“Do you ask about immigration status?”
No. We do not ask about immigration status, and we never will. Healthcare is for everyone. Your medical information is completely confidential and protected by federal HIPAA laws.
“What if my income changes?”
If your financial situation improves or gets worse, just let us know. We can reassess your sliding fee scale level at any time. Life changes—we understand that. Our goal is to make sure you can always afford the care you need.
“Can my whole family get care here?”
Absolutely! We provide care for all ages, from newborns to seniors. Your entire family can see providers at Syracuse Community Health, all at sliding-fee-scale rates if needed.
You Deserve Healthcare
Here’s the bottom line: Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Your health matters, and you deserve to see a doctor, get prescriptions, and take care of yourself—regardless of whether you have insurance.
You are not a burden. You are not asking for handouts. You are taking care of yourself and your family, and we are here to support you in that.
If you’ve been putting off that doctor’s appointment because you’re worried about cost, today is the day to call.
Ready to Get Started?
Call Syracuse Community Health today: 315-476-7921
Choose from 5 convenient Syracuse locations
We welcome everyone—insurance or no insurance
Find Your Nearest Location:
-
- 930 S. Salina Street – Comprehensive Care Center
-
- 819 S. Salina Street – Quick Care (Walk-ins Welcome)
-
- 1120 E. Fayette Street – Community Location
-
- 2020 Oswego Street – Neighborhood Clinic
-
- Onondaga Community College – Student & Community Health
Download patient registration forms on our website to save time at your first appointment.
Don’t wait another day. Your health can’t wait—and neither should you.
Syracuse Community Health has been serving our community since 1978. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, we are committed to providing quality, affordable healthcare to everyone, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.
