Free or Low-Cost Health Care Resources

Bridge to Benefits Minnesota

This is a multi-state project by Children’s Defense Fund Minnesota to improve the well-being of families and individuals by linking them to public work support programs and tax credits. By clicking on the link below, a person can use the Eligibility Screening Tool to see what services they may be eligible for. 555 Park Street, Suite 410; St. Paul, MN 55103; Phone: 651-227-6121; Fax: 651-227-2553. http://mn.bridgetobenefits.org

Children’s Defense Fund Minnesota / Minnesota Low Cost Health Care Directory

This directory was compiled to help uninsured or underinsured families understand what health care options are available to them. Low-cost health care options are listed by County.www.cdf-mn.org

Find a Health Center

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resource and Services Administration (HRSA) has a web based tool called, Find a Health Center, which lists federally-funded health centers providing care for people, even if they have no health insurance. Individuals pay what they can afford, based on there income. Health centers provide a wide range of services including: checkups for individuals who are well or sick, pregnancy care, immunizations, dental care, and mental health and substance abuse care. Health centers are in most cities and many rural areas. findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/

MinnesotaHelp.info

This is an easy-to-use, centralized Internet entry point that contains information about services provided by both public and private entities throughout the state. This English/Spanish site contains information links for all ages. Use the Search feature to find free and reduced health care services by County. www.minnesotahelp.info

The Neighborhood Health Care Network

This is a health care consortium of community clinics in Ramsey, Hennepin and Washington Counties serving economically and ethnically diverse populations such as immigrants and refugees or others who have limited incomes and may not have health insurance. Callers are directed to affordable primary health care centers in their area, are screened for possible eligibility for Minnesota State Health Care Programs, and offered assistance completing applications. Interpreters are available. Call 651 489-CARE (2273), or 1-866-489-4899 (toll free). www.nhcn.org

Portico Health Net

This program helps individuals and families living in Ramsey, Washington, or Dakota County to connect with a health care program. It helps people fill out applications for Minnesota Health Care Programs (such as MinnesotaCare, Medical Assistance, or General Assistance Medical Care). It also has provided its own health access program for people without health insurance. It also can help identify other community resources that may be helpful for you. To find out if you may be eligible for a low cost or even free health care program call (651) 603-5100 or 866-430-5111. You can also check out their website at: www.porticohealthnet.org . For a fact sheet describing the Portico Health net coverage program, go to: http://www.porticohealthnet.org/docs/fact-sheet.pdf

Shriner’s Hospital for Children Twin Cities

A 40-bed children's hospital facility providing high quality pediatric orthopedic care.  The hospital provides comprehensive medical, surgical and rehabilitative care for children with orthopedic conditions. Children up to age 18 are eligible for care if, in the opinion of Shriner’s Hospital physicians, there is a reasonable possibility they can benefit from the specialized services available. There is no charge for any care or services provided within Shriners Hospitals for Children facilities. Twin Cities Shriner’s Hospital, 2025 East River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55414. Metro Phone: 612-596-6100;

http://www.shrinershq.org/hospitals/TwinCitiesFor a listing of all Shriner’s hospitals and services in the U.S.:http://www.shrinershq.org/Hospitals/Main

Free or Low-Cost Women’s Health Care Resources in Minnesota

The Minnesota Family Planning Program (MFPP)

Family planning and related health care services for people who are NOT enrolled in Minnesota Health Care Programs. Check the site for services offered. This program is administered by the Department of Human Services. For more information call the Minnesota Family Planning Hotline 800-783-2287 or visit the website www.dhs.state.mn.us/familyplanning

Primary Care Resources

A list of providers who serve persons even if they do not have insurance. These providers may charge a fee based on a persons ability to pay. This list was updated as of July 2009. It is organized by County and may or may not include all of the providers in a specific County

https://edocs.dhs.state.mn.us/lfserver/Legacy/DHS-4741-ENG

Health Care Services

Courage Center

The mission of Courage Center is to empower people with physical disabilities to reach for their full potential in every aspect of life. They are guided by the vision that one day, all people will live, work, learn and play in a community based on abilities not disabilities. They provide rehabilitation services for people with physical disabilities and/or sensory impairments, parent support groups, recreational and camping programs, and transitional rehabilitation programs. Their Website lists classes, tips, publications and more. Address: Courage Center, 3915 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN. 55422 Phone: 763-588-0811 or

1-888-846-8253. www.courage.org

Shriners Hospitals for Children

Shriners Hospitals is an international health care system for children to the age of 18. It provides specialty pediatric care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs for children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate. Eligible children receive care in a family-centered environment at no financial obligation to patients or families. In the U.S.: 1-800-237-5055. http://www.shrinershq.org/Hospitals/Main

“Uncompensated Care”

Some large clinics and/or hospitals may have internal “charity” funds to help some families reduce their outstanding payments.  Families should contact the business office or social services office at the clinic/hospital to discuss past due bills, or “holds” on getting future appointments due to the outstanding bill.  The decision is often based on a combination of family circumstances (making it difficult to pay the bills - not just because they just don’t want to pay) and the type of care the patient needs.  If families have a new funding source (ex: just became eligible for a MN Health Care Program such as Medical Assistance), the business office may “reconsider” what was due before that eligibility began, to help reduce the outstanding balance.  The business office often has a “financial questionnaire” for families to complete, regarding income coming into the family, expenses going out, and assets.  Sometimes families can talk with their doctor, nurse, or a social worker at the clinic/hospital where they are receiving the care. These people may be able to help as “advocates” for families in working with the business office