VISTA Member Benefits living large on a small budget….
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Transcript of VISTA Member Benefits living large on a small budget….
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VISTA Member Benefits
l i vin
g larg
e on a
sm
al l
budget….
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HEALTHCARE
Provided by…
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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
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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
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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)
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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.
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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
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FOOD
SUPPORT Provided by…
The Minnesota Department of Human Services
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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
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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
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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
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STUDENT LOAN
FORBEARANCE
Granted by…
Your student loan holder!
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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
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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
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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
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OTHER
BENEFITS
Provided by…
Many organizations throughout MN!
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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
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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!
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When in doubt, search for a low- cost option…
…or ask if discounts are available!