Why Healthcare Feels Broken—and What We’re Doing About It at Aslan Health
A Changing Healthcare Landscape
If you’ve tried to access healthcare recently—whether as a patient, provider, or employer—you’ve likely felt it:
- Costs are rising
- Access is getting harder
- Wait times are increasing
- And more people are delaying care
At the same time, you may see headlines about hospitals under financial strain, rural clinics closing, and insurance companies reporting record profits. It can feel confusing, even contradictory.
But beneath all of this is a simple reality:
The current healthcare system is under significant pressure—and it is changing.
What’s Driving These Changes?
Several forces are converging at once:
1. Reimbursement Doesn’t Match the Cost of Care
Many healthcare providers are paid less than what it actually costs to deliver care—especially for government programs like Medicaid.
2. More People Are Uninsured or Underinsured
High-deductible plans and rising premiums mean more people are:
- Avoiding care
- Paying out-of-pocket
- Or going without insurance altogether
3. Collection of Medical Bills Has Become More Difficult
Recent changes in policy, including the Minnesota Debt Fairness Act, have helped protect patients from aggressive collections—but they have also made it harder for clinics and hospitals to collect payment after care is provided.
4. Hospitals Are Carrying More Financial Risk
Hospitals are required to provide care regardless of ability to pay. As uncompensated care increases, financial strain grows.
What This Means for Our Community
When these pressures build, the impact shows up in real ways:
- Fewer clinic appointments available
- Longer wait times
- Reduced services in some areas
- More people turning to urgent care or the emergency room for issues that could have been treated earlier
And perhaps most concerning:
More people simply go without care—until it becomes a crisis.
Where Aslan Health Fits In
Aslan Health was created in response to these very challenges.
We are a faith-based, nonprofit clinic in St. Cloud focused on providing affordable, accessible primary care—especially for those who face barriers to the traditional healthcare system.
But we are not trying to replace hospitals or large healthcare systems.
Instead, we see ourselves as part of a broader “team of teams”—many organizations working together, each playing a different role.
Our Role: Filling the Gaps
Aslan Health focuses on patients who often fall through the cracks:
- Individuals without insurance
- Those with high-deductible plans who avoid care due to cost
- Patients who need time, relationship, and whole-person care
These are not always the easiest patients to serve—but they are often the ones with the greatest need.
A Different Model of Care
To serve this population sustainably, we operate differently.
Transparent, Upfront Pricing
We offer a simple $75 visit, with costs discussed openly. This allows patients to know what to expect and avoid surprise bills.
Payment at the Time of Service
We ask for payment at the visit—not because we lack compassion, but because:
In today’s environment, if payment is not collected upfront, it is often never collected.
This helps us:
- Keep costs low
- Avoid administrative overhead
- Stay financially sustainable
Donor-Supported Care
We recognize that not everyone can afford care—even at a lower cost.
That’s where our community steps in.
Patients contribute what they can. Donors help cover the rest.
This partnership allows us to continue serving those with the greatest barriers to care.
Why We Are Making Changes
As healthcare continues to shift, we have had to make difficult—but necessary—decisions.
One of those decisions is stepping away from certain insurance programs.
This was not made lightly.
We understand that many people rely on these programs, and we know that access challenges remain.
However, participating in these programs often comes with:
- Lower reimbursement
- Higher administrative burden
- Delayed payment timelines
Which ultimately limits our ability to serve those who have no access at all.
By focusing our efforts, we can:
- Increase access for uninsured patients
- Maintain sustainability
- Continue offering affordable care
What This Means for Patients
If you are a patient, here’s what you can expect from Aslan Health:
- Clear, upfront pricing
- Same-day or walk-in availability
- Care that takes time to listen and understand your needs
- A focus on your physical, emotional, and spiritual health
If we are not the right fit for your situation, we will do our best to help guide you to other resources in the community.
What This Means for Partners
To our healthcare partners:
We do not see ourselves as competitors.
We see ourselves as:
- A complementary access point
- A pressure relief valve for the system
- A bridge for patients who struggle to engage in traditional care models
When patients receive care earlier:
- Emergency room visits decrease
- Chronic conditions are better managed
- Outcomes improve
We are committed to being a trusted partner in caring for our community.
What This Means for Donors
To those who support this work:
Your generosity is not just appreciated—it is essential.
It costs us significantly more to provide care than what many patients can afford.
Your support helps:
- Close that gap
- Expand access
- Ensure no one is turned away due to inability to pay
You are part of the care team.
Looking Ahead
Healthcare is changing.
There will likely be:
- Continued financial pressure on hospitals and clinics
- More people facing barriers to access
- A growing need for community-based care models
We believe that solutions will not come from one organization alone.
They will come from:
- Collaboration
- Innovation
- And a shared commitment to serving others
Our Commitment
At Aslan Health, we remain committed to:
- Providing affordable, high-quality care
- Serving those with the greatest need
- Operating with integrity and transparency
- Demonstrating the love of Christ in how we care for others
We cannot solve every problem in healthcare.
But we can faithfully serve our part.
And with your support, we will continue to do just that.
Caring for Our Neighbors
If you would like to:
- Schedule an appointment
- Partner with us
- Or support this mission
We invite you to connect with us.
Together, we can ensure that care remains accessible, compassionate, and rooted in dignity for all.