About HealthShare

Expanding Access to Health Care

In 2004, Duluth health care providers, county public health and human services, nonprofit agencies, faith-based organizations and Generations Health Care Initiatives formed the Twin Ports Health Access Program. Its goal was to expand access to health care among the uninsured and underinsured in our region.

HealthShare was created to provide health coverage to uninsured employees of small businesses. In Minnesota, 8.7 percent of the population does not have any type of health coverage. Most uninsured adults are employed full-time.

The Minnesota Legislature approved the coverage program as a new model to address this issue. HealthShare, the only program of its kind in Minnesota, is modeled after similar multiple-share coverage programs operating in a few areas of the country.

To qualify for the program, businesses must meet certain eligibility requirements. HealthShare focuses on preventive care, health education, and using health care services at the right time and in the right place.