Affordable health care can be hard to find. Fortunately, most refugees qualify for subsidized medical insurance for the first few months they are here. Refugees with children may qualify longer.
A great resource on Refugee Health issues is: www.health.state.mn.us/refugees
A good resource for Medical Care and Medical Assistance is: http://mn.bridgetobenefits.org/
If a refugee has a health need, find out if they have insurance. If the family has insurance/medical assistance and has been enrolled with a doctor or clinic, you can simply call and make an appointment. If the family has insurance or medical assistance but has not been enrolled at a clinic, use the yellow pages or the website listed above to find a location near their apartment/housing.
Doctor’s Appointments. If you are helping your refugee partner find a doctor, make sure that the doctor accepts Medical Assistance or whichever insurance your refugee partner carries. Documents families should bring when going to the doctor:
- Identification (or I-94 Cards, if no identification) – All individuals will receive an ID card called the Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This card is mailed directly to the World Relief office and may take several weeks before it reaches our office. In the absence of such a card, the I-94 card will suffice.
- MA Card or Number – After the family has been here for a month, they will receive their medical assistance card in the mail. If the family has not yet received this card, they will have a MA number, which will suffice in the absence of the card.
Help the family establish a relationship with the clinic. Discuss the location and get a few business cards. Explain that this is where they will always go for care, except for nighttime and weekend emergencies. Explain to the family that they should bring their insurance information each time they go to the clinic.
The family may need a translator. Some clinics provide them, but you should ask in advance. A translator (and also transportation) may also be available through the refugee’s health plan. Do not assume that a child or other family member can interpret for a doctor appointment. In some cases, this may not be appropriate and would not respect the refugee’s right of privacy.
Health Care Facilities.
Main Street Health Care Drop-in clinic services
Dorothy Day Center 651-293-9907
Mary Hall 651-227-2637
Union Gospel Mission 651-292-1721
St. Paul/Ramsey County Public Health 651-266-2400
Neighborhood Health Care Network (Clinic referral system) www.nhcn.org 651-489-2273
ST. Mary’s Health Clinics. Free health care is available for those who do not have health insurance, medical assistance, Medicare or Minnesota Care. Refugees whose income levels are within St. Mary’s guidelines or who are temporarily unemployed or are working in low paying jobs can contact St. Mary’s Health Clinics. They are small neighborhood clinics, located in eleven Twin Cities and suburban areas. St. Mary’s Health Clinics serve in locations where space has been donated. They are staffed by licensed physicians and nurses who volunteer their time. To schedule appointments, call 651-690-7029. For more information, call 651-690-7020.
Emergency Medical Care.
For emergency care without medical assistance, use the following providers:
Hennepin County
Hennepin County Medical Center
701 Park Avenue
Minneapolis
612-347-3131
Ramsey County
Regions Hospital
640 Jackson Street
St. Paul
651-221-3456
Medical Assistance and Insurance. When admitted, it is important to discuss whether you have medical assistance or insurance. If they have none, discuss the need to apply for the government assistance for the uncompensated care. Otherwise, the family may be charged thousands of dollars for care.
Medical Assistance and General Assistance Medical Care 651-266-4444
Minnesota Care (Health Care coverage on a sliding fee) 651-297-3862
FOR ADDITIONAL MEDICAL RESOURCES:
Call First Call for Help – 211 or Twin Cities: 651-291-0211 For St. Paul call 651-224-1133
