Community Health Centers (FQHC) in Louisiana
Louisiana at a glance
Louisiana is home to about 224,537 foreign-born residents (4.9% of the state’s 4,611,961 people) and 332,716 residents of Hispanic or Latino origin (7.2%), per the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2024 5-year estimates). The procedures below apply to everyone in Louisiana regardless of immigration status unless noted.
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) are the most important low-cost medical care network in US for uninsured or underinsured people. They serve EVERYONE regardless of immigration status.
How FQHCs work — the short version
A Federally Qualified Health Center is a community clinic that receives a grant under Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act, or that HRSA has determined meets the requirements for one. Three things matter in practice: every site must serve you regardless of immigration status, fees follow a sliding scale based on income (a pay stub is usually enough proof), and most Louisiana locations put primary care, pediatrics, dental, mental health, and a low-cost pharmacy under one roof. No insurance is required, and in areas with large Spanish-speaking populations, bilingual staff are the norm.
For other states, see the national community health centers guide.
Important: Public Charge Rule
Under the 2022 public-charge rule, using an FQHC does not affect your immigration case — that rule does not consider low-cost medical services. ⚠️ It is rescinded effective September 18, 2026 (91 FR 45324); care received before that date is still judged under the 2022 rule, and receiving benefits is never outcome-determinative on its own. DHS says the new rule applies to applications for admission made on or after September 18, 2026, and to adjustment-of-status applications postmarked or electronically submitted on or after that date. See the public charge guide.
FQHC locations in Louisiana: the real numbers
Louisiana has 552 active federally funded health center sites, per HRSA's Health Center Service Delivery Sites file. Every one of them is required to serve you regardless of immigration status or ability to pay. The cities with the most locations:
| City | FQHC sites |
|---|---|
| New Orleans | 74 |
| Baton Rouge | 36 |
| Alexandria | 26 |
| Shreveport | 21 |
| Denham Springs | 20 |
Coverage by county
| County | Sites |
|---|---|
| Orleans | 72 |
| Rapides | 51 |
| East Baton Rouge | 46 |
| Tangipahoa | 43 |
| Jefferson | 40 |
| Livingston | 36 |
| Caddo | 23 |
| Ouachita | 21 |
Major health center sites you can call today
| Health center site | City | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| East Carroll Parish Hospital | Lake Providence | (318) 559-4023 |
| Winn Community Health Center, Inc. | Winnfield | (318) 648-0375 |
| Daughters of Charity Health Center - Carrollton | New Orleans | (504) 207-3060 |
| Lincoln Community Health Center | Ruston | (318) 224-7190 |
| CommuniHealth Services - Bastrop Community Health Center | Bastrop | (318) 283-8887 |
| CommuniHealth Services Marion Family Practice, Dental & Behavioral Health Center | Marion | (318) 292-2795 |
| RKM Primary Care | Clinton | 225-683-5292 x10212 |
| RKM Primary Care Livingston | Livingston | (225) 283-1356 |
Source: HRSA Health Center Service Delivery and Look-Alike Sites (retrieved 2026-10-07; refreshed quarterly). Hours and walk-in policies change — call before visiting, or search every site at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
Related information
- Medicaid in Louisiana
- CHIP in Louisiana
- Free hospital care in Louisiana
- Public Charge Rule
- SNAP in Louisiana
Last verified: 2026-09-24.
General information, not medical advice. For specific care, talk to a medical provider.
Last verified: 2026-09-24.
General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.
Related procedural information
- Federal benefits eligibility by immigration status — who qualifies for what
- Find legal aid in your state — public-benefits appeals
- What an ITIN is and is not — an ITIN is a tax-filing number, not proof of eligibility for any benefit; each program sets its own identity and status rules
- Consulate of your country — many offer financial-assistance referrals
- Know Your Rights — public-benefits enrollment — agency confidentiality limits