The challenge
For nearly 30 years, Portico Healthnet has been a lifeline for uninsured and underinsured Minnesotans, helping families navigate enrollment in programs like Medicaid and MinnesotaCare while connecting them to affordable medical and dental care. With a team of just 30 people—many of whom reflect the immigrant communities they serve—the organization's mission is simple yet vital: ensure consistent healthcare access for vulnerable populations across the state.
When the pandemic struck, that mission faced a critical test. Portico had traditionally relied on in-person interactions with the individuals and families it serves. Suddenly, the question became: "If we had to do this remotely, what would it look like?"
Meeting the needs of a vulnerable, mobile-first population
Most of the households Portico Healthnet serves live at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. For many, mobile phones are their primary—and often only—gateway to the internet. On top of that, more than half of Portico's work takes place in languages other than English. That reality shaped the organization's technology requirements: any solution had to be mobile-first, impose minimal burden on the user, and make no security trade-offs.
"Our consumers deserve efficient and easy-to-use, best-in-class services—just like any other consumer."
Molly McCormick · Chief Operating Officer, Portico Healthnet
Finding the missing piece: secure document collection
When Portico transitioned to remote services, it quickly pieced together tools for e-signatures and case management. But a glaring gap remained: secure document collection. Consumers needed to submit verification documents—pay stubs, tax forms, or IDs—before they could qualify for coverage, and traditional secure email was clunky, confusing, and poorly suited to their community.
Enter SendSafely's Dropzone. Portico's navigators can text a Dropzone link directly to a consumer, who submits documents through a clean, mobile-optimized interface that works seamlessly on smartphones. The workflow meets HIPAA business associate requirements and passes partner security audits without sacrificing usability. The Dropzone quickly became the central link in Portico's workflows.
"SendSafely has allowed us to extend our service area across the state of Minnesota dramatically."
Molly McCormick · Chief Operating Officer, Portico Healthnet
Beyond consumers: secure partner communications
SendSafely isn't just for consumer interactions. Portico also uses SendSafely's secure email integration for partner-to-partner communications, especially when working with larger organizations that have stringent security standards. Features such as expiration controls on shared files simplify vendor qualification and reinforce Portico's reputation as a responsible steward of sensitive data.
What's next
With new federal requirements adding verification steps for Medicaid and other public health benefits, Portico expects demand for secure, consumer-friendly solutions only to grow. SendSafely will continue to be a cornerstone of that mission—enabling Portico to meet communities where they are, whether by phone, by text, or at a pop-up enrollment clinic, without ever compromising on security.
