Health Coverage for Small Business

Overview

HealthShare is an affordable, community health care coverage program for uninsured employees working in small businesses. The program covers most health services, including doctor visits, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, mental health services, and home care through a network of providers located in the Duluth area.

An important feature of HealthShare is the focus on preventive care, health education, and using health care services at the right time and in the right place. Members can chose to enroll in either the Standard Option or the Wellness Option. With the Wellness Option, members take an active role in improving their health AND pay less if they are making progress towards their health goals.

HealthShare is the only program of its kind in Minnesota. It was created as a State demonstration project by the Minnesota Legislature to expand health care coverage to a population most likely to be uninsured - those working in small businesses. HealthShare is based on a national model where the costs of the program are shared among the business owner, the employee, a community fund, and funding from the State of Minnesota. Currently, only businesses in the Duluth area can participate.