The Need for Affordable Healthcare in Minnesota Is Growing — And So Is the Demand at Aslan Health
A new statewide report confirms something we are seeing every day at Aslan Health: more Minnesotans are going without health insurance — and more families are struggling to afford basic healthcare.
The recently released Minnesota Health Access Survey found that the percentage of Minnesotans without health insurance increased to 5.8% in 2025, representing approximately 116,000 more people without coverage compared to 2023.
For years, Minnesota had seen steady improvements in health insurance coverage. In fact, the uninsured rate had dropped to 3.8% in 2023, the lowest level on record. But that progress has now reversed.
Behind these numbers are real people — families, workers, and children who need care but cannot afford it.
And increasingly, they are turning to clinics like Aslan Health.
Who Is Most Affected?
The survey shows that the rise in uninsured Minnesotans is affecting nearly every group across the state.
Some of the most concerning findings include:
• Children without insurance increased from 2.7% to 4.6%
• Young adults ages 26–34 now have the highest uninsured rate at 12.5%
• People earning less than 200% of the federal poverty level are uninsured at 13%
• Hispanic Minnesotans have the highest uninsured rate at 20.7% — more than triple the statewide average
These statistics reflect the reality we see every week at our clinic in St. Cloud.
Many of our patients fall into what economists call the ALICE population — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.
These are hardworking people who:
- Work full-time jobs
- Earn too much to qualify for public assistance
- But cannot afford private health insurance
When illness or injury happens, they are often forced to choose between their health and their finances.
When People Avoid Care, Health Problems Get Worse
Research consistently shows that people without health insurance are more likely to delay or avoid care, which often leads to more serious health conditions later.
We see this firsthand.
Patients come to us with:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Untreated infections
- Advanced hypertension
- Delayed prenatal care
- Children who have not seen a doctor in years
Many tell us the same thing:
“I was afraid of the bill.”
That fear keeps people away from care until their health crisis becomes unavoidable.
Why Aslan Health Exists
Aslan Health was created to remove those barriers.
We provide transparent, affordable healthcare for people who might otherwise go without care.
Our clinic offers:
• Primary care visits
• Chronic disease management
• Women’s health and prenatal care
• Sports physicals and school physicals
• Preventive screenings
• Walk-in visits and scheduled appointments
For many patients, we are their only realistic option for medical care.
But as the number of uninsured Minnesotans grows, the demand for care at Aslan Health continues to increase.
The Demand Is Growing Faster Than Our Resources
Since opening our doors in August 2024, we have seen a steady increase in patients who cannot access traditional healthcare systems.
The trend reported in the Minnesota Health Access Survey confirms what we are experiencing:
More people are uninsured.
More people are worried about losing their coverage.
And more people need a place to turn.
Our charitable care fund allows us to provide free or reduced-cost care for patients facing financial hardship — but those funds are limited.
As the need grows, we need the support of our community to keep meeting that need.
How You Can Help
Aslan Health is a faith-based nonprofit clinic, and our work is only possible because of generous supporters who believe that everyone deserves access to healthcare.
You can help in several ways:
Your financial support helps us provide care for patients who otherwise would go without it.
Even a small gift helps provide:
- Clinic visits
- Lab testing
- Medications
- Preventive care
Become a Monthly Supporter
Recurring donations allow us to plan for the growing number of patients who rely on us for care.
Share Our Mission
Tell others about Aslan Health. The more people who know about our clinic, the more lives we can reach.
Pray for Our Work
As a Christ-centered ministry, we believe healthcare is one way we can demonstrate the love of Christ in our community.
Together We Can Meet the Need
The rising number of uninsured Minnesotans is a challenge — but it is also an opportunity.
An opportunity for communities to come together.
An opportunity to remove barriers to healthcare.
An opportunity to serve our neighbors with compassion.
At Aslan Health, we are committed to continuing this work.
But we cannot do it alone.
If you would like to help ensure that no one in our community has to choose between their health and their finances, we invite you to partner with us.
Together, we can meet the growing need for care.