Community Care Guidelines

Community Care Application

What is SMDC Community Care?

SMDC offers this program to help people who don’t have enough medical insurance and cannot pay their medical bills.

Do I qualify to receive help with my bills?

The answer depends on your household income and your assets. You might qualify to have all your bills covered if your income is less than the amount listed in the middle column below. Or part of your bills may be paid if your income is less than the amount in the last column.

Income Range

Size of Household*

Full Coverage

(If income is not more than)

Partial Coverage

(If income is less than)

             1

$16,500

$33,000

             2

 22,000

44,000

             3

27,500

 55,000

             4

 33,500

67,000

             5

39,000

78,000

             6

 44,500

89,000


*If you have more dependents, add $5,750 for each one.


Assets include savings and checking accounts; IRAs and retirement accounts; recreational vehicles or vehicles not used to get to your job; equity in your home; real estate other than your home; and any other valuable property. You might qualify for help paying your medical bills if your assets are less than $10,000 for one person or $20,000 for two or more.


Who does not qualify?

You will not receive help from Community Care if:

  • Your balance at SMDC is less than $500.

  • You are involved in a Workers Comp, auto or any other third-party liability claim. You may apply for this program after the case settles.

  • You are applying for disability. You may apply after the Disability Board decides your case.

  • You are receiving certain medical treatments that are not covered in this program. Please contact our office for a list of services not covered.

  • You have a quit claim deed on your home or property that is less than three years old.

  • You qualify for Medicare but don't have both Part A and Part B.


How do I sign up for this program?

If you think you might qualify for this program, please fill out and return the application.You will also need to send copies of certain information. Read the directions carefully to see what copies you need to send.

Depending on your income, you may need to apply for medical assistance or Minnesota Care (Minnesota residents) for future medical treatment. Someone in our office can guide you on this process.

There are some limits about who can receive help from our Community Care Program. There are also some limits on how many times you can apply. Your application is good for three months from the date we receive it. Check with our office to find out when you can apply again. If you qualify for the program, we will look at all your SMDC hospital and clinic accounts.

How can I get more information?

If you have questions, please call:

  • (218) 786-6561
  • (800) 985-4675, extension 66561