Applying for Medical Assistance (MA)

This information is for people with disabilities who are younger than 65 years old.

If you are applying for coverage for multiple family members, including those who do not have a disability, please see the page on how to apply for families for information on how to apply through MNsure.
If you are only applying for people 65 or older, please see the page on how to apply if you are a senior.

FAQs about the application process

How do I apply?
People who must use a paper application

Some people should not apply online through MNsure. These people should apply with a different Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) paper application through their local county or tribal office. Use a paper application if everyone in your household meets one of the following:
- Only requesting help with Medicare costs
- 21 through 64 years old with no dependents and has Medicare coverage
- Receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Applying for Medical Assistance for Employed Person with Disabilities (MA-EPD)
- A child in foster care
- Requesting help to pay for home and community-based services to help them remain living in their home
You can:
- Print a paper application form
- Call or go to your county or tribal office
- Call 651-431-2670 or 800-657-3739 and ask to have an application mailed to you
People who can apply online or by paper application

People not listed above may apply online using MNsure:
- Apply online through MNsure, Minnesota's health insurance marketplace. Here are some tips for completing the MNsure online application.
- Fill out and return the MNsure paper application DHS-6696 (PDF).
- For help paying for care in a long-term care facility like a nursing home, apply on paper using the MHCP Application for Payment of Long-Term-Care Services DHS-3531 (PDF).
Where can I get help applying?
- At your county or tribal office
- From the Disability Hub MN at 866-333-2466
- By calling MNsure for help with the online application at 651-539-2099 or 855-366-7873
- Contacting a navigator in your area. Go to the MNsure website for a list of navigators or call 855-366-7873
- Learn more about how county workers or MNsure navigators can help.
Does it matter when I apply?
Yes, the date we receive your application online or we get your paper application affects when your coverage can start. Coverage may start:
- The first day of the month we get your application,
- Three months before the month we get your application,
- The month after your eligibility is approved, or
- The first day of the month after you pay your first premium, if you have one.
What happens after I submit my application?
How will I know if I can get coverage?
If you apply online at MNsure, we usually tell you right away if you or any household member:
- Can get coverage and if you will have to pay for it
- Cannot get coverage and why
You also will get a letter telling you if you and your family members qualify. The letter also tells you how you can ask for a review of the decision(s) if you do not agree with it.

If you apply with a paper application, we will send you a letter telling you if you or any household members:
- Can get coverage and if you will have to pay for it
- Cannot get coverage and why
The letter also tells you how to ask for a review of a decision, if you disagree.