This directory was compiled by
Children’s Defense Fund-Minnesota to help uninsured and underinsured
Minnesotans find access to affordable health care. If you or your family
members do not have affordable health insurance, we encourage you to first use
the Bridge to Benefits screening tool to see if you
may be eligible for a Minnesota Health Care Program (Medical Assistance and
MinnesotaCare). If you do not qualify for a public health insurance
program, then this directory may help you find some low-cost health care
options near you.
Care
Connections
Care Connections is toll-free telephone line for all Minnesotans without health
insurance and low-income Minnesotans who may be eligible for public health care
coverage. Care Connections will help people find out if they qualify for health
care programs such as Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare. If you qualify to
apply, they can help you with the application process or refer you for
application assistance. Call 877-405-FIND (3463) or 218-347-FIND (3463) from
8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Friday and 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Saturday.
Interpreters are available.
If you don’t qualify for assistance programs, they have information on other
health care coverage and referrals. There are providers who may see you even if
you are not insured. These providers often provide care for a fee based on your
ability to pay.
Health Care Providers for the Uninsured Click here for a statewide list of medical,
dental and mental health care providers who serve the uninsured. They may
charge a fee based on your ability to pay. Call the provider to find out about
services, hours, fees and who they serve.
Portico Healthnet
Portico Healthnet helps low-income populations access health care coverage
(public programs and safety-net programs) through a toll-free phone service
that also provides referrals to primary and preventive health care clinics.
651-489-CARE (2273) or 1-866-489-4899 (toll free) offers application assistance
and referrals to nearby community clinics seeing uninsured patients on a
sliding-fee scale. Operators can also assist non-English speaking callers.
Prescription Drug Resources Many prescription drug manufacturers offer help to people
who cannot pay for their medications. Some programs are only for people with
low income; in which case, prescriptions may be provided at no cost. Other
programs offer discounts on prescriptions for qualified individuals.
Child and Teen Checkups 651-201-3760
Child and Teen Checkups (CTC) is Minnesota's Early Periodic Screening,
Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) program. It is designed to provide
comprehensive prevention and early intervention for children and youth at risk,
from birth until age 21. CTC helps families on Medical Assistance or
MinnesotaCare obtain preventive health care and follow-up. CTC also helps make
appointments, arranges for rides, finds a clinic that will best serve the
client, and helps connect the family with other services.