The Katie Blessing Foundation is the non-profit division of StarMed Healthcare that provides discounted premium primary and urgent care services to underinsured and uninsured families and individuals.
We want to change the story for communities with persistent health disparities.
We’re currently accepting patient applications for sliding scale healthcare for families and individuals in Mecklenburg County.
The foundation is named in honor of the mother of Dr. Michael Estramonte, StarMed’s President & Founder (Blessing is her maiden name). She was a schoolteacher for more than 30 years who had – and still has – a passion for helping those in need.
“Our goal is to have a positive impact on the health and wellness of people who are facing barriers to quality healthcare,” said Amber Tracewell, Executive Director of The Katie Blessing Foundation. “We are dedicated to assisting people in our community by offering primary care and urgent care at discounted prices. We want to improve the overall health of the community, especially those who don’t always have the easiest access.”
To qualify for sliding scale healthcare coverage through The Katie Blessing Foundation:
- You must live in Mecklenburg County. Proof of residency may be required.
- You must meet one of the following criteria and fall below a maximum household income based on federal poverty levels:
o You DO NOT have access to health insurance benefits through an employer, spouse’s employer, school, Medicaid, Medicare, worker’s compensation, or veteran benefits.
o You DO have access to health insurance benefits through your employer but cannot afford the monthly premium.
o You DO have access to health insurance benefits through your spouse’s employer, but your spouse will not add you to their benefits plan due to extenuating circumstances.
- You must be able to provide proof of circumstance.
To apply for discounted healthcare coverage:
Call 980-867-3595 to schedule an appointment for a patient assistance interview. Once you schedule
your interview, you’ll receive your application along with a list of required documents you’ll need to provide.
After you apply:
If approved, you will be enrolled in the program for a year. You’ll receive a phone call confirming your approval or denial of this program.
The Katie Blessing Foundation strives to:
- Assist and empower individuals who have experienced greater obstacles in managing their health through family-centered care.
- Eliminate barriers to health care access due to substandard environmental circumstances and costs.
- Ensure equitable access to communities with persistent health disparities.
To learn more about The Katie Blessing Foundation’s mission, leaders, structure, and services, visit katieblessing.org
The Katie Blessing Foundation is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization operating as a public charity (EIN 87-2775360). Click here for our 501(c)(3) Determination Letter. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.