The United Way’s ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) report sheds light on a hidden crisis affecting millions of households in Minnesota and across the nation. ALICE households earn more than the Federal Poverty Level but still struggle to afford basic necessities such as housing, childcare, food, transportation, healthcare, and technology. They live paycheck to paycheck, constantly on the edge of financial instability. In Minnesota, 36% of households are either ALICE (26%) or living below the poverty line (10%), reflecting a growing disparity between income and the cost of living.
In 2022, the cost of basic household expenses in Minnesota was $26,712 for a single adult and $77,304 for a family of four—well above the Federal Poverty Level of $13,590 for an individual and $27,750 for a family of four. For ALICE households, this financial reality means they are one unexpected expense away from disaster. Despite their crucial roles in the economy—working in education, retail, healthcare, and other essential sectors—they often face barriers to accessing the resources needed for long-term stability and upward mobility.
How Aslan Health Supports ALICE Households
At Aslan Health, we recognize the unique challenges faced by ALICE households, particularly in accessing quality healthcare. Our mission is to remove these barriers and provide compassionate, affordable care to individuals and families who need it most. Here’s how we are making a difference:
Affordable and Transparent Pricing
For many ALICE households, the cost of healthcare is a significant barrier. At Aslan Health, we offer a same-day payment option for just $75—significantly lower than typical costs at many healthcare facilities. We also provide free services through our charitable care fund for qualifying uninsured individuals, along with sliding-scale options based on income and family size.
Holistic, Whole-Person Care
Healthcare isn’t just about treating physical symptoms; it’s about addressing the whole person. Aslan Health uses the Model of Healthy Living, which integrates physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness. This approach ensures that our patients receive care tailored to their unique needs, helping them achieve balance and long-term health.
Accessible and Flexible Services
We make healthcare accessible by offering both walk-in services and scheduled appointments, including evening and Saturday morning hours. This flexibility accommodates the busy schedules of working individuals and families. Our central location in St. Cloud ensures care is within reach for those we serve.
Faith-Based Compassion
Rooted in the love of Jesus Christ, we are dedicated to treating every patient with dignity, respect, and kindness. We aim to provide not only medical care but also emotional and spiritual support, creating a healing environment where patients feel valued and cared for.
Programs to Address Barriers
Aslan Health actively works to eliminate obstacles to healthcare through innovative programs. For example, our collaboration with ISD 742 brought sports physicals directly to students who couldn’t access them, ensuring they could participate in school activities. Similarly, our partnerships with local barbers aim to bring healthcare into the community, making services more approachable for underserved populations.
A Call to Action
ALICE households are the backbone of our communities, yet they often lack access to the resources they need to thrive. At Aslan Health, we are committed to closing this gap by providing affordable, compassionate, and holistic care. Together, we can build a healthier, stronger community—one where every individual has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
If you’d like to support our mission or learn more about our services, visit us at Aslan Health or call us at 320-297-6800. Together, we can make a difference for the ALICE population in our community.