WESTERN MINNESOTA LEGAL SERVICES

AMANDA KOTNIK-COLLINS WILLMAR OFFICE TELEPHONE: (320) 235-9600 [email protected] 302 SW 5TH STREET, SUITE 202 TOLL FREE: (888) 360-3666 P.O. BOX 1866 FACSIMILE: (320) 235-1030 WILLMAR, MN 56201-1866 TDD: (320) 235-2820

March 5, 2008

RE: Introducing the Minnesota Healthcare Outreach Project

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am writing to introduce a new service available in our area to help uninsured people get health care coverage. We call this new service the Minnesota Healthcare Outreach Project. Our goal, is to identify those who are in need of medical coverage and then to assist them through the application process for any one of Minnesota’s state health care programs.

Minnesota has three health care programs available to families and individuals: MinnesotaCare, Medical Assistance and General Assistance Medical Care. MinnesotaCare is a program designed for working families and individuals who do not have affordable group insurance available through their job. Families with incomes at or below 275% of federal poverty guidelines (for example, a family of four with a gross monthly income below $4924) may be eligible. Medical Assistance and General Assistance Medical Care generally serve vulnerable families and individuals with lower incomes. Many adults and children in our community who are currently without healthcare would qualify for one of these programs.

Through the Minnesota Healthcare Outreach Program, we are able to provide information about the various healthcare programs, work with people to determine whether they qualify for coverage and then assist those wishing to apply through the application and eligibility determination process. Many people have told us that the application process can often be frustrating, as it requires them to spend a great deal of time gathering documentation that they may have a difficult time obtaining. When this information is not received by the state in a timely manner their application is often denied. We want to help change that outcome!

I am writing to you because I believe that you work with families and individuals who may need health care coverage. I want those people to know about the Minnesota Healthcare Outreach Project. If you know of any individuals or families who are interested in learning more about the Minnesota Healthcare Programs available, or if they are interested in utilizing the assistance of our office in applying for coverage, please refer them to me, Amanda Kotnik-Collins at (320) 235-9600 or at [email protected].

A United Way Agency If you have any questions or would like more information regarding the Minnesota Healthcare Outreach Project please contact me. I am also available to meet with your staff and/or the people your agency serves to provide more information. I look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

Amanda Kotnik-Collins Outreach Coordinator

A United Way Agency