Buying Health Care
Buying health care can be very challenging-whether you are purchasing it for yourself, a family member, or for an entire company. Becoming familiar with your options and costs will help you make the best purchasing decision for your situation. This section offers tips for consumers and employers, information on private plans, and links to public health insurance programs like Medicare, MinnesotaCare and other Minnesota health insurance programs.

Consumer Tips
Navigating the health care system is difficult for many patients, their families, and senior citizens. Still, taking time to learn more about how to purchase health insurance and other health-related services helps consumers control health care costs. Read through our Consumer Tips links to find out how you can be a smarter health care consumer! Go to the links >

Employer Resources
This section offers advice to small and large employers who want to provide quality health care coverage to employees and reduce health care costs. Find guides to the health insurance market and tools to estimate the benefits of choosing quality health plans. Go to the links >

Locating Health Care Services
Where can I find a doctor, dentist or specialist in Minnesota? Where's the nearest nursing home or hospice program? Who offers mental health services in my neighborhood? Look through these web resources to locate physicians, clinics, and many other health care facilities and providers in Minnesota. Go to the links >

Private Insurance Plans
One of the reasons you buy health insurance is to protect yourself from the high costs of medical care. Today there are many types of private health insurance and more choices than ever before. This section contains links to private insurance plans in Minnesota. Go to the links >

Medicare
Are you or someone you love covered by Medicare? Confused about your benefits? Want to know how recent Medicare drug benefit changes will impact your pocketbook? Our Medicare links will guide you to government and independent web sites that explain your Medicare benefits. Go to the links >

Public Insurance Programs & VA Benefits
Uninsured Minnesotans who can't afford private insurance have several health care options. There are three publicly funded health care programs available to Minnesotans: Medical Assistance (MA), General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC), and MinnesotaCare. All three programs have eligibility requirements. The Veterans Health Administration also provides a Medical Benefits Package to eligible Minnesotans with veteran status. Go to the links >

Purchasing Prescription Medicine
Being familiar with your prescription medicine options is an important part of maintaining your health and controlling health care costs. These links connect you to information on generic and brand name medicines, steps you can take to ensure medication safety, and the benefits and risks of accessing medicines from Canada. Go to the links >

Patient Rights
Learn more about your patient bill of rights when receiving care in a variety of health care settings. Browse through information on advanced directives, filing a complaint and how to contact the Ombudsman for Older Minnesotans. Go to the links >