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Community Health Centers in Texas — low-cost medical care for immigrants

FQHCs (Federally Qualified Health Centers) in Texas: primary medical care with sliding fee scale, regardless of immigration status. Dental, mental health, pharmacy services.

Community Health Centers (FQHC) in Texas

Texas at a glance

Texas is home to about 5,095,888 foreign-born residents (17.2% of the state’s 29,640,343 people) and 11,697,134 residents of Hispanic or Latino origin (39.5%), per the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2023 5-year estimates). The procedures below apply to everyone in Texas 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 nonprofit clinic funded under Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act. 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 Texas 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 the full guide — typical services, what to bring to a first visit, and how the sliding fee scale is calculated — see the national community health centers guide.

Important: Public Charge Rule

Using FQHCs does NOT affect your immigration case. Public Charge Rule doesn’t consider low-cost medical services. See Public Charge Rule.

FQHC locations in Texas: the real numbers

Texas has 742 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:

CityFQHC sites
Houston100
San Antonio46
El Paso44
Austin40
Longview33

Coverage by county

CountySites
Harris119
El Paso59
Bexar49
Travis44
Gregg34
Dallas33
Brazoria18
Smith16

Major health center sites you can call today

Health center siteCityPhone
Chambers County Public Hospital Dist. 1Anahuac(409) 267-3143
CommuniCare Health Centers - Navigation CenterSan Antonio(210) 233-7000
Hancock Health CenterAustin(512) 978-9940
Dallas Deflection Center-Homeward BoundDallas(214) 590-0153
Bee Busy Wellness CenterHouston(713) 771-2292
Su Clinica - HarlingenHarlingen(956) 365-6000
Gateway Community Health Center, INC.Laredo956-795-8100 x3646
Pearland Family Health CenterPearland(281) 824-1480

Source: HRSA Health Center Service Delivery and Look-Alike Sites (retrieved 2026-06-10; refreshed quarterly). Hours and walk-in policies change — call before visiting, or search every site at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.


Last verified: 2026-05-25.

General information, not medical advice. For specific care, talk to a medical provider.


Last verified: 2026-05-25.

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.

Frequently asked questions

Do FQHCs in Texas ask immigration status?
NO. FQHCs are legally required to serve EVERYONE regardless of immigration status, ability to pay, or insurance. Your information is not shared with immigration authorities.
How much do FQHC services cost in Texas?
FQHCs use ‘sliding fee scale’: families below Federal Poverty Level pay $0-$25 per visit; higher incomes pay based on income, but NEVER more than commercial price. Minimum fee usually $20-$30.
What services do FQHCs in Texas offer?
Primary medical care (adults and kids), pediatrics, gynecology and prenatal, mental health and counseling, basic dental services, low-cost pharmacy, vaccines, school/work physicals, chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension).