About Esperanza Health Clinic Fifth Street

This is a sliding scale approved program

Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm

Services Provided:
    Medical Services 'Adult Preventive and Acute Care, Pediatrics, Women's and Prenatal Care, Hospital Care, Chronic Disease Management, and Specialty Care
    Behavioral Health Services
    Social Services
    Care in the Community, including our Community Health Promoter program
    Nutrition and Wellness
    On-Site Medication Dispensary
    Comprehensive HIV Care

Esperanza is a one-of-a-kind, faith-based non-profit organization that provides bilingual care to under-insured or uninsured Philadelphians regardless income or status. Started in June of 1989 by Carolyn Klaus as a small walk-in clinic, it continues to primarily serve the Latino and African communities at three locations to this day. The centers are manned by 23 mostly-bilingual clinical care providers and 130 staff members. Last year alone, Esperanza treated more than 7,000 patients, clocking in some 36,000 visits, and offering a full range of medical services for all ages. A Christian organization, Esperanza also offers social services, mental and, of course, spiritual guidance, partnering with churches and schools and even offering fitness programs for kids. Its Community Health Promoter Program trains community leaders and lay people on health-related issues to help them distribute that knowledge to the community.

Payment and Insurance

If you need assistance with healthcare and payment options, and whether or not you have insurance we are here to help you!
What insurance do you accept?

If you have insurance, we accept a number of plans at Esperanza:

    All Medicaid insurances in SE Pennsylvania: Health Partners Plans, Keystone First, Keystone First Community HealthChoices (CHC), United Healthcare PA Community Plan, Aetna BetterHealth, PA Department of Human Services Medical Assistance, Community Behavioral Health (Medical assistance for behavioral health).
    CHIP: Kidz Partners, Keystone Health Plan East CHIP, United Health Care CHIP, Aetna Better Health Kidz.
    Medicare: Medicare, Aetna Medicare, Cigna HealthSpring (formerly Bravo), Health Partners Medicare, Keystone 65, Keystone VIP Choice.
    Commercial Health Insurance Plans: Aetna, Keystone Health Plan East, IBC Marketplace Proactive plans, IBC Personal Choice, Magellan

Please note that if you are part of an HMO, you will need to contact the insurance company to request a change to one of our clinicians before we can begin to take care of you. It is also your responsibility to notify us about any changes in your insurance coverage.


What if I dont have health insurance can I still become a new patient at Esperanza?
We can help you apply for insurance! Please call us at (215) 302-2210 to make an appointment with one of our bilingual Insurance Assisters, or ask one of our staff members about insurance assistance during your visit. Our Insurance Assisters will gladly help you to determine your eligibility for insurance plans and programs, including:

    HealthChoices (Medicaid): You can apply for insurance under Pennsylvanias HealthChoices (Medicaid) program if you are a Pennsylvania resident ages 21 to 64 who meets the income criteria.
    Marketplace Insurance Options ("ObamaCare"): You are eligible to apply for Marketplace Insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act ("ObamaCare") if you are age 18 or older and are a U.S. citizen/national or are lawfully present in Pennsylvania.

If you are not eligible for insurance coverage, you may still become an Esperanza patient and apply for discounted care through our Uninsured Patient Program. Under this program, your fee may be anywhere from $20 to $60 for a medical or dental visit. This sliding scale fee is based on your income and family size. You will need to meet with the Patient Access Liaison (PAL) prior to your first appointment to review your household size and proof of income to determine eligibility. Proof of your household income may include:

    Most recent tax return or W2
    Most recent paycheck stubs for each working family member (one months income
    Letter from your employer stating your income if working under the table
    SSA, SSI, or Unemployment award letters

Patients of Esperanza Health Center will not be denied access to services due to inability to pay.  If you believe that you are unable to pay the nominal fee that is requested by our sliding fee scale, please ask to speak with the office manager prior to your visit.

Also, uninsured persons who are HIV-positive will receive care at Esperanza on a sliding-fee scale through funding from a Ryan White Grant.

Sliding Scale

Esperanza Health Clinic Fifth Street operates under a sliding fee scale payment model. What this means to you is that Esperanza Health Clinic Fifth Street provides their services even to patients who cannot afford care (such as low-income or who people who need to self-pay). Patients will pay according to their income. Be prepared to provide information on your household income.

2024 Federal Sliding Fee Schedule based on Annual Income

Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) Insurance Coverage For Mental Health

Obamacare purchased from the Health Care Marketplaces covers Mental Health Care and Substance Use Disorder Treatment. Under the Health Care Law there are 10 categories of benefits. Mental Health Care and Substance Abuse Treatment are two of the 10.

If you have Affordable Care Act Coverage you will have mental health care coverage.