Several layers in the metro: federally qualified health centers (sliding scale), free clinics (no charge), street medicine (they come to you), and the safety-net hospitals (Truman and KU). Plus mental health, which is its own ecosystem.
Hours: 40+ clinics per month, rotating locations both states
Call for current clinic schedule. Medical, psychiatric, and basic needs. No ID, no insurance, no address required. Built explicitly for people the standard system cannot reach.
Serves people in Missouri and Kansas. Help is available in English and Spanish. You do not need immigration-status documents to ask for help. Walk-ins are welcome. You do not need ID or other paperwork to ask for help. There is no charge for this service. The service does not report people to immigration authorities. What you share is kept confidential and is not reported. Calling does not by itself result in a psychiatric hold.
Walk in Saturday 11:30am-2pm. UMKC medical students with attending physician supervision. Email umkcfreeclinic@umkc.edu with questions.
Serves people in Missouri. Help is available in English and Spanish on request. You do not need immigration-status documents to ask for help. Walk-ins are welcome. You do not need ID or other paperwork to ask for help. There is no charge for this service. The service does not report people to immigration authorities. What you share is kept confidential and is not reported.
300 SW Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66103 · directions
Hours: Tues & Thurs evenings (check website)
Free medical, dental (including extractions), and vision. KU medical students with physician oversight. Most free clinics do not offer dental — this one does.
Serves people in Kansas. Help is available in English and Spanish. You do not need immigration-status documents to ask for help. Walk-ins are welcome. You do not need ID or other paperwork to ask for help. There is no charge for this service. The service does not report people to immigration authorities. What you share is kept confidential and is not reported.
FQHCs are required by federal law to see anyone, regardless of insurance or ability to pay. Charge is on a sliding scale — most people on the bottom of the scale pay $5-$10 per visit. Bring whatever ID/paperwork you have but they should not turn you away for lacking it.
825 Euclid Ave, Kansas City, MO 64124 · directions
Hours: Multiple sites; varies
FQHC serving northeast KCMO. Primary care, dental, OB/GYN, behavioral health. Strong language access (Vietnamese, Somali, Arabic, more).
Serves people in Missouri. Help is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Somali, and Arabic. You do not need immigration-status documents to ask for help.
Truman Medical Centers / University Health:816-404-1000 · Hospital Hill, KCMO. The county hospital. Cannot turn you away for emergencies; bills can still arrive — apply for charity care.
The University of Kansas Health System:913-588-1227 · KCK. Has financial assistance — apply.
Children's Mercy:816-234-3000 · Pediatric, both sides. Has charity care.
If you go to an ER without insurance, ask in writing for the financial assistance application before you leave. They are required to give it to you. The deadline to apply is sometimes short — don't wait for the bill.
Health benefits (MO HealthNet / KanCare)
MO HealthNet (Missouri Medicaid):855-373-4636 · Missouri expanded Medicaid in 2021 — many adults now qualify.
KanCare (Kansas Medicaid):1-800-792-4884 · Kansas did NOT expand. Adults without disabilities or children at home usually do not qualify.
Marketplace (ACA):healthcare.gov · For those above Medicaid income limits.
Mental health
988 is the federal crisis line (call or text). For ongoing care:
Truman Behavioral Health:816-404-5700 · MO side, sliding scale
Wyandot Behavioral Health Network:913-328-4600 · KS side, sliding scale
Johnson County Mental Health Center:913-826-4200 · KS side
Comprehensive Mental Health Services:816-254-3652 · Jackson/Lafayette MO
The Whole Person:816-561-0304 · disability-led peer support
Substance use
Many programs require sobriety upon entry. The ones below explicitly do not, or have harm-reduction options:
First Call:816-361-5900 · Substance use treatment + family support. Sliding scale.
Mid-America Addiction Technology Transfer Center: referrals + training
SAMHSA helpline:1-800-662-4357 (24/7, free, confidential, in Spanish too)
Naloxone (Narcan) is available over the counter at most pharmacies in MO and KS. Several harm-reduction groups distribute it free — ask at any FQHC or KC Care.
Reproductive healthcare
Planned Parenthood Great Plains:1-800-230-7526 · multiple locations, both states. Kansas remains a destination state for abortion access — Missouri's landscape has been changing since 2024.
Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains: Kansas-side abortion care.
Trust Women KC: Wichita-based but serves the metro — itrustwomen.org
State laws on reproductive care have been in flux since 2022. Confirm what is currently available at the specific clinic before traveling.
