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VISTA Member Benefits

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HEALTHCARE

Provided by…

THE BASICS• You are covered by the AmeriCorps Health

Benefits Program

• This is not a health insurance policy, but it does provide healthcare benefits

• You are covered from your first day of service until your last day of service

HOW IT’S DIFFERENT• It only covers you - there are no benefits

for family members or dependents

• No coverage for pre-existing conditions

• You can have another insurance plan, in addition to your health support

BENEFITS• Prescriptions are usually covered in full

• For doctors’ visits your co-pay is usually $5

• For emergency room visits your co-pay is usually $25• (Disclaimer: this does not include lab tests,

x-rays, etc. although these may be covered)

LOGISTICS• You should receive your health benefits

card within your first month of service

• For health coverage before you receive your card, call and they can email you one

• Seven Corners doesn’t have a direct line for healthcare providers to call.

FOR MORE INFORMATION• Find out which healthcare providers are covered

at americorps.sevencorners.com

• Get more information about health benefit policies at vistacampus.org

• Read the “Explanation of Benefits” document that is emailed to you to find out what is covered

FOOD

SUPPORT Provided by…

The Minnesota Department of Human Services

THE BASICS• Apply through the Department of Human

Services in the county where you live

• Apply by mail, by appointment, by visiting the DHS office, or (in some counties) online

• How much you receive in food support will be determined on an individual basis

WHAT TO BRING• A completed application for food support

• Your “Service Verification Letter”

• A copy of your lease, or certificate of rent paid

• Proof of your utilities costs

• A current bank statement

LOGISTICS• To move away from the social stigma of “food

stamps,” Minnesota now uses an “Electronic Benefits Transfer” system, and individuals receive an EBT card (like a credit card)

• Six months after applying you will receive a “6-month review.” You need to turn this in!

• For more info, go to dhs.state.mn.us

STUDENT LOAN

FORBEARANCE

Granted by…

Your student loan holder!

THE BASICS• Student loan forbearance is only available for

federal student loans

• You can print a forbearance request on My.Americorps.Gov

• You must contact your loan holder in order to apply for and receive loan forbearance

INTEREST• During forbearance you don’t have to make loan

payments, but interest still accrues

• At the end of service, apply to be reimbursed for interest by having your loan holder fill out an “AmeriCorps Interest Accrual Request Form”

• Certain loans can be deferred instead of put in forbearance – see the VISTA handbook for info

FOR MORE INFORMATION

• Look at the VISTA Handbook, specifically Chapter 6 at vistacampus.org

• Contact your loan holder to see if you are eligible for loan forbearance

OTHER

BENEFITS

Provided by…

Many organizations throughout MN!

SERVICES• Reduced-cost (income-based) gym

memberships from the YMCA and YWCA

• $5 worth of free produce every time you use your EBT card at a Twin Cities Farmers’ Market

• Low-cost vet care through organizations like Kindest Cut and The Pet Project

SERVICES• Free tax services and financial advice

through AccountAbility Minnesota

• Free help with bike repair, and an option to earn a bike through Cycles for Change

• And many more!

When in doubt, search for a low- cost option…

…or ask if discounts are available!