New Health Care Version of Bridge to Benefits

We are pleased to announce that we have launched a health care version of the Bridge to Benefits website that includes a screening tool for individuals and families to determine potential eligibility for the health care programs as available January 1, 2014 under the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The screening tool, found at healthcare.bridgetobenefits.org, asks questions about household composition, tax filing status and income to determine potential eligibility for Medical Assistance (MA), MinnesotaCare and Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTCs). While the look of the site is the same, the screening tool does have additional questions to determine user’s tax household and Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) as this is how eligibility for the health care programs will be determined starting January 1.

The screening tool results include information on how to apply using MnSure, the state’s new health insurance marketplace, and connects users to navigators who can help them apply. In addition, the website includes information on APTCs and changes to MA and MinnesotaCare. Just like the full Bridge to Benefits website, the health care screening tool is free and open to the public and does not ask any personal information that can identify users.

Before using the new health care screening tool with your clients, please first screen them using the full Bridge to Benefits screening tool. This way you can determine if they’re potentially eligible for other work support programs and tax credits like food, child care and energy programs. If the screening tool results show they’re not eligible for health care programs, a link will be provided to use the health care screening tool.

You will not be able to use your Partner Login on the new health care program screening tool. We will not be tracking screens for partners on this website and the e-mail referral feature will not be available. However, we will still list a local organization that is a navigator and can assist your clients in applying for health care programs.

On January 1, 2014, the full Bridge to Benefits website will be updated to include APTCs and the changes to MinnesotaCare and MA. In the meantime, please let us know of any questions, issues or suggestions regarding the health care program updates to Bridge to Benefits. Your partnership and feedback are appreciated!