What does a community health center do?
A community health center is a clinic that offers primary care whether or not you have insurance. Fees can be lower based on what you can afford.
Last updated November 11, 2026
Find community health centers near you
When people see one
- You want a primary care provider near home
- You need dental or behavioral health at the same place
- Your income is limited and cost matters
- You are between jobs or plans
How it differs
Primary care clinic: A community health center is a nonprofit with a federal grant and a sliding fee scale. A primary care clinic is any office that provides primary care, with or without those features.
Rural health clinic: Both serve underserved areas. A rural health clinic has a federal certification for its location, and a community health center has a federal grant and a sliding fee scale.
On 2027 Colorado plans
Do you need a referral? No. You don't need a referral for primary care.
What a visit costs (the plan's filed "Primary Care Visit to Treat an Injury or Illness" benefit, in network, before any extra savings on silver plans):
- Bronze: $25 to $50 a visit on 23 of 56 plans; on the other 33, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
- Silver: $0 to $40 a visit on 53 of 58 plans; on the other 5, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
- Gold: $0 to $30 a visit on 26 of 30 plans; on the other 4, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
In-network care costs less. Out-of-network visits on an HMO or EPO usually aren't covered except in an emergency.
In Colorado
Public records list 328 community health centers in Colorado.
- Denver County: 76 locations
- El Paso County: 25 locations
- Arapahoe County: 17 locations
- Adams County: 16 locations
- Pueblo County: 16 locations
- Jefferson County: 13 locations
Counties with the fewest: Rio Grande (1), Logan (1), Lincoln (1), Kit Carson (1), Gunnison (1). 14 counties have none.
Questions to ask the office
- Which 2027 plans do you take? Ask for the plan's network name, not only the insurance company.
- How does the sliding scale work, and what proof of income do you need?
- Are you taking new patients?
- Which services are in the same building, such as dental or behavioral health?