Take Charge: HELPcare Clinic Coming to Albert Lea

This past week has been one of those rare times when everything comes together in just the right way. That's why I was glad to sit down with my Take Charge with HELPcare podcast co-host Dan Hinmon today to share some behind-the-scenes developments that led to our announcement last Friday that we’re opening HELPcare Clinic Albert Lea, our third location, early in 2026!

Here's our discussion:

A New Option for Healthcare in Albert Lea

For more than two years—since we launched our first clinic in Austin in February 2022—we’ve dreamed of bringing our direct primary care model to Albert Lea. The city has faced real challenges in recent years: the consolidation of hospital services, and more recently, the closures of MercyOne and Mayo ExpressCare.

When those options disappeared, we saw a clear opportunity to serve Albert Lea with something different—something people-centered, not insurance-centered.

Our new clinic will be located in Skyline Plaza, in the space that once housed the VA outpatient clinic. It’s already designed for patient care, with built-in exam rooms and medical infrastructure ready to go. Even better, we’ve partnered with two nurse practitioners who are passionate about joining our team. Between them, they’ll provide care five days a week, supported by our experienced staff from Austin.

Honestly, the whole process has felt guided. We finalized the lease in about an hour—something that rarely happens in business. To me, that’s more than coincidence; it’s Providence.

Join Us for the HELPcare Community Kickoff – November 20

Before we open, we’re hosting a HELPcare Community Kickoff on Wednesday, November 20 at 6:30 p.m. at Wedgewood Cove Golf Club in Albert Lea.

This free event will feature:

• A documentary screening of It’s Not Personal, It’s Just Healthcare, which exposes the inefficiencies of traditional U.S. healthcare.
• Introductions to our new practitioners and current members sharing their experiences.
• The official announcement of our opening date and details on a special early-bird membership offer for those who sign up before launch.

Popcorn and movie snacks are on us! For more details and to reserve your spot, visit helpcare.health and select “Albert Lea” under Locations. Or just go directly to EventBrite to get your free tickets.

What Makes HELPcare Different

At HELPcare Clinic, we believe healthcare should be personal, affordable, and unhurried. Here’s what that means for our members:

1. You’re a member, not a number.
   Our practitioners care for no more than 600 members—so they have time to know you and your story.
2. Affordable, unhurried care.
   We don’t bill insurance. Instead, members pay a simple monthly fee for unlimited primary care, longer visits, and direct access to their provider.
3. We HELP you take charge of your health.
   Our team serves as your guide—like Obi-Wan helping Luke Skywalker. You’re the hero of your health journey, and we’re here to help you succeed.

Flexible Membership Options

We offer several ways to experience HELPcare:

• Basic and Premier Memberships for individuals and families.
• Small business and corporate memberships for employers.
• HELPcare Access, a “try-before-you-join” plan—just $19/month for discounted visits and labs, with no long-term commitment.

A Healthier Future for Albert Lea

We already serve nearly 70 members in Albert Lea—and twice as many in nearby communities. They’ve been driving to Austin for care. Now, we’re coming to them.

This expansion isn’t just about growth. It’s about continuing our mission: to help people take charge of their health and experience care that truly feels like a partnership.

Come celebrate with us November 20 at Wedgewood Cove—and see firsthand how HELPcare Clinic is bringing the Direct Primary Care revolution to Albert Lea.

👉 Reserve your free ticket today!

Be sure to subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or watch the video edition by subscribing to the HELPcare YouTube channel.

If you're a medical professional looking for a different way to practice, check out our HELPcare Careers page.

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Lee Aase

Lee Aase is the founder of HELPcare LLC, which provides comprehensive membership, marketing and management services for provider-owned HELPcare Clinics, as well as metabolic health education and coaching for people interested in restoring health and reversing disease through lifestyle changes. Lee and his wife Lisa live in Austin, MN and have six married children and 19 grandchildren.