The Mille Lacs Band’s Circle of Health program reminds Band members that January 14 is the deadline to apply for insurance through MNsure, Minnesota’s health insurance exchange.
Circle of Health is not insurance; it is a benefit provided by the Band to enrolled Band members and descendants under 18 years of age.
Before Circle of Health can pay any fees on their behalf, Band members must have health insurance — either Medicare, Medical Assistance, an employer plan, or a privately purchased plan. Circle of Health is the ultimate payer of last resort.
Circle of Health is a certified navigator for MNsure and can help Band members and others with insurance questions and applications. Call 800-491-6106 for assistance or stop by the Circle of Health office at Ne-Ia-Shing Clinic in District I. Circle of Health staff also make regular visits to Districts II and III and the Urban Office.
Circle of Health supplements Band members’ primary insurance coverage by paying or reimbursing premiums, co-pays, and deductibles for insurance-covered services. One policy per family/ household is allowed.
Circle of Health also pays for specific items such as hearing aids, eyeglasses, orthodontia, and durable medical equipment for enrolled Band members only. All enrolled members are eligible for Circle of Health benefits, no matter where they live.
How to sign up for MNsure
If you have computer skills and Internet access, go to mnsure.org to sign up for insurance. You will need to create an account and provide information about your income, employment, family, and tribal affiliation (if any). The website will prompt you through a process to determine your eligibility.
If you prefer to sign up via phone, call MNsure for assistance at 855-366-7873 or 651-539-2099.
You can also apply over the phone by calling Circle of Health staff, who can complete the application for you.
Circle of Health also has an office in Hinckley at the Corporate Ventures building, 503 Weber Avenue Room 103. Call Trisha Moose at 320-384-4603 for information or help with insurance questions. For more information on Circle of Health, call 800-491- 6016 or visit millelacsband.com/services/circle-of-health.