Of course all 50 U.S. states and possessions each have their own health services for the indigent, both alone and in concert with the federal government, depending on the program, but often we forget the biggest and oldest provider of all, the U.S. Public Health Service, under the Surgeon General, Department of HHS.
The U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps is a team of more than 6,500 full-time, well-trained, highly qualified public health professionals dedicated to delivering the Nation’s public health promotion and disease prevention programs and advancing public health science. As one of America’s seven uniformed services, the Commissioned Corps fills essential public health leadership and service roles within the Nation’s Federal Government agencies and programs. Officers serve their country in communities that are most in need by providing essential health care services to underserved and disadvantaged populations.
If you have unmet medical needs because you have no insurance and low income, seek help at the nearest USPHS hospital, clinic, or field facility.
Learn more about the USPHS services, and also how you can find a career as a civilian medical professional or uniformed PHS officer with them here.
Native Americans receive medical care without cost to them, regardless of income, through the Indian Health Service (IHS) and, if low income, also are eligible to participate in all low-income programs offered by the states and federal government. Native Americans do not pay for doctor visits, surgeries, hospital stays, wellness care, emergency care, maternity and pediatric, prescriptions, or medical equipment. Medical, dental, vision, hearing, addiction, and counseling services are available free of charge to Native Americans through IHS facilities and clinics.
