Education is a social determinant of health that promotes success in life overall. In partnership with the GED Testing Service, UCare offers free GED tutoring, support and tests through the GEDWorks program for its Prepaid Medical Assistance Program (PMAP) and MinnesotaCare members.
The program, which expanded statewide this year, is intended to help lift its members out of poverty by providing them with better career pathways and employment opportunities. In addition to expanding geographically, the organization offers additional career planning services for members.
Through GEDWorks, participants have access to practice tests and other study tools in English or Spanish. They also are paired with an adviser, who provides moral support and shepherds them through the process of studying for and signing up to take GED tests. In 2020, 23 members earned their GED through the program. Pictured is Irene, a graduate of GEDWorks.