489-CARE Referral and Information Line
The 489-CARE information and
referral line has helped underserved
people find medical services and
insurance information since 1993.
(Callers outside the metro area use the toll free
number, 1-866-489-4899.) The referral
line serves a critical and cost-effective role in
helping uninsured and underinsured Minnesotans
understand and obtain health services and coverage that might otherwise seem out
of reach. It provides information on low-cost and sliding-fee medical, dental and mental
health services available in callers’ own communities,
based on ZIP code.
People who use the line vary in age, ethnicity
and insurance status—although 65.6% are uninsured. Some 61% of those who use
the line are women and 56 percent have children. Callers come to 489-CARE from a
variety of sources, including referrals from
health care professionals, public agencies,
First Call for Help, schools, Head Start, the Yellow Pages and word of mouth.
The Network was recently awarded
a major multi-grant from the Minnesota
Department of Human Services to continue
operating this service statewide to increase
access to health care among our community’s
uninsured and underinsured individuals and
families. In 2009, the Network transferred day-to-day operation of the line to Portico Healthnet,
a nonprofit organization that helps uninsured
people access health care and coverage for
which they are eligible. The Network serves on an Advisory Committee to Portico, to assure that the needs of uninsured and underinsured patients for information and assistance are met.
If you have questions, please contact Portico Healthnet 489-CARE program coordinator, Alicia Howes, at: ahowes@porticohealthnet.org or directly at 651-603-5116.
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