Today, the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) proudly releases the 2025 Data Report, spotlighting the realities of care delivery across more than 1,400 clinics and charitable pharmacies serving communities in need across the U.S. The report makes one thing clear: free and charitable clinics and pharmacies are holding the line for America’s most vulnerable population with minimal funding and maximum demand.
But this safety net is now at risk.
As Congress debates the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)—a proposal that includes sweeping Medicaid cuts, eligibility restrictions, and funding limitations for nonprofit and behavioral health services—NAFC urges policymakers to consider what’s at stake: real lives, real communities, and a critical care system already stretched to its limits.
Key Takeaways from the 2025 Data Report
6 million patient visits took place in 2024—up from 5.7M in 2023.
84% of patients are uninsured; 76% live at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
Clinics are responding to record-high mental health needs, with 80% offering mental health services.
81% of clinics reported an increase in demand; 27% now have waitlists. 92% of the workforce is made up of volunteers.
Clinics serve working Americans: 59% of patients are employed but lack affordable care.
These numbers aren’t just trends. They reflect the urgent need for the work of free and charitable clinics and pharmacies at risk of deep cuts proposed in the OBBBA.
Connecting the Data to the Debate: OBBBA’s Potential Impact
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Medicaid Cuts → Surge in Uninsured Patients
The OBBBA would push 7.8 million Americans off Medicaid, per CBO projections. Our data shows 84% of clinic patients are already uninsured. Cutting coverage further means free clinics—already overburdened—will be inundated.
The care doesn’t disappear with Medicaid—it shifts to our clinics. Without additional support, this is unsustainable.
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Mental Health at Risk → Clinics Are the Backup Plan
In 2024, clinics dramatically increased mental health screenings. Yet the OBBBA rolls back Medicaid protections for behavioral health—undermining one of the few expanding mental health safety nets in the country.
Clinics are expanding behavioral care, but we can’t absorb system-wide funding losses.
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Nonprofit Healthcare Strain → Rising Costs, Fewer Resources
81% of clinics reported increased demand. At the same time, the bill proposes reduced reimbursements and increased uncompensated care, severely jeopardizing nonprofit sustainability.
Clinics are already running lean. This bill could push many past their breaking point.
Why This Matters Now
This isn’t theoretical. Clinics and pharmacies saw 6 million visits last year. They serve people who are working, uninsured, and living below the poverty line—people who will have nowhere else to go if this bill moves forward unchecked. The passing of OBBA alone could result in an additional 10.9 million nationwide becoming uninsured.
Clinics are stepping up to meet the growing need. Congress must step up to protect them.
Read the Full Report & Take Action
The NAFC 2025 Data Report tells a powerful story of resilience, community, and unmet need. But the data alone doesn’t drive change, you do.
Join the Letter Writing Campaign
Decisions are being made now, and your voice can help shape them. Lawmakers need to hear directly from their constituents about what is at stake. Take 2 minutes to send a letter today. Every voice counts.
Let’s make sure free and charitable clinics and pharmacies aren’t left behind when they’re needed most.
