Resources
Financial Help to Pay Medical Expenses
Medical Assistance
Medical Assistance pays for a variety of services like doctor visits, alcohol and drug treatment, prescriptions, hospital stays and much more. It may also pay for medical bills going back three months from the date of application.
MinnesotaCare
Minnesota Care Minnesota Care is a premium-based program for people who earn too much to qualify for Medical Assistance but make too little to pay for private insurance. Those who qualify for MinnesotaCare never pay more than $80 a month per person for their premium. The programs have income and asset limits that depend on your age, who you live with, and whether you are pregnant, blind or have a disability. They offer comprehensive coverage, including dental benefits and vision and behavioral health services.
Call the MinnesotaCare Office at 651-297-3862 or 800-657-3672 for help with questions or for a paper application.
How to Apply
Most Minnesotans can apply for these programs online through MNSure, Minnesota's health insurance marketplace.
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If you are 65 or older, please see the page on how to apply if you are a senior or call the Senior LinkAge Line at 800-333-2433.
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If you are have a disability, please see the page on how to apply for people with disabilities or call the Disability Hub MN at 866-333-2466.
Other Help
The Pine County Financial Assistance Team also offers help to adults, families and children as well as the elderly and disabled. They will find the right program for your situation. They administer numerous financial assistance programs that are funded by Federal, State and County dollars.
You can contact the Pine County Health and Human Services Department: at 320-216-4100 (Sandstone); 320-591-1570 (Pine City); or
BlueRide
Available for Rides to Health Care Appointments
You will be able to receive a ride to your health care appointments if the provider is in your plan network. To arrange a ride you need to be a member of Blue AdvantageSM Families and Children or Minnesota Senior Care Plus (MSC+), and not have access to your own vehicle or other ride.
Schedule, Change,
or Cancel a Ride
651-662-8648
or toll free at
1-866-340-8648
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When you call, a BlueRide representative will make sure you are eligible. If you are, you can receive one of these services:
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A public bus pass if you live in a public transit service area.
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A scheduled medical ride or other ride service if you live outside a public transit service area
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If you have a disability or other special needs, BlueRide will find another type of ride to meet your needs.
Important
Reminders
Here are things to keep in mind when using BlueRide:
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BlueRide is for covered medical, dental, and mental health appointments, as well as to pick up prescriptions. You also can use BlueRide when you leave the hospital after a medically necessary stay.
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Rides are available for the member. The member may have an escort come with them.
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If the ride is for a minor, the minor must be accompanied by a trusted adult over age 18. Children under the age of 12 cannot ride alone.
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Please specify if a car seat is needed when scheduling your ride. You may need to supply your own car seat.
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Respectful, appropriate behavior is required for the duration of the ride.
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Call to schedule your ride as soon as you schedule your appointment, with at least 2 business days before your appointment.
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For bus passes, call at least 10 business days before your appointment.
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If you need to change or cancel your ride, call BlueRide as soon as possible, with a minimum of 4 hours before your scheduled pick-up time. Failure to cancel unneeded rides may result in temporary loss of BlueRide services.