Hennepin County Profile

HC_alltemplatesbanner_2013

 

To learn more about the work of Hennepin County, the District 3 team profiles employees of the county who live in the district. Each month we spotlight a different person from varying departments and occupations. Find out about the day-to-day aspects of occupational fields and work environments at the county, and how each person’s work affects your life.

Christina 

Christina Eichorn
Human Services Representative,
MNsure Eligibility Work Services Team
Public Health Department
Loring Park Neighborhood
Finishing first year at Hennepin

Describe your work.

I work with medical assistance through the MNsure system connecting social service clients with healthcare. MNsure is a dual-functioning database that helps people apply for affordable healthcare programs. It is now possible for clients to move between programs when their eligibility changes, and a lot of times they aren't aware that they may need to. I have fundamental knowledge about the programs and help them navigate between them. Then once they’re on a program, I take care of their case. I help with the renewal process, program changes, HMOs or medical assistance programs.



What part of your job do you find most challenging?

It’s hard to think about challenges when you enjoy your job. However, there is the odd occasion where I'm not able to help. For example, when you’ve got someone on the phone who is on a state case and you’re unable to help. Those types of jurisdictional problems are hard. My hands are tied, but I am still speaking with someone who needs help. I need to de-escalate clients who are upset, and help connect them with the right person.



What do you find most enjoyable?

I love working with clients very much. I’m excited when I get to meet them in person, and right now MNsure work is mostly over the phone. I love working with people, so I’ll take what I can get. If they’re interested in the program, I can use my knowledge to help them navigate a difficult system. My job is to make clients’ lives easier, and that is rewarding in a lot of ways.



What is one thing everyone should know about the work you do?

The program is a benefit. When MnSure first started and people began using the marketplace, I think people were surprised that they qualified for a program. Having help with healthcare is a great benefit, especially for the Hennepin County clients I work with most often.


Christina is a resident of the Loring Park neighborhood, and is a Human Services Representative on the MnSure Team with Eligibility Work Services. If you need health insurance, you can apply and shop online for healthcare coverage by visiting MNsure.org or by calling 1-855-3MNsure (1-855-366-7873) for more information, including the names of community agencies that can help you apply or provide language assistance. MNsure open enrollment is open now until January 31 2016. If you are on Medical Assistance, call the Hennepin County Managed Health Care Office at 612-596-8860 for help with enrollment questions, billing questions, or complaints. They can work with you and advocate for you if issues come up with the HMO. The staff also can give presentations on managed health care to individuals and groups . For more information, click here.