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Program information
MinnesotaCare is a health care program for Minnesotans with low incomes. To find out whether you qualify for MinnesotaCare, you must apply.
Enrollees get health care services through a health plan or on a fee-for-service basis.
- Most enrollees get health care through a health plan. You can choose your health plan from those available in the county where you live.
- Enrollees who do not get health care through a health plan get care on a fee-for-service basis, with providers billing the state directly for services they provide.
MinnesotaCare is funded by a state tax on Minnesota hospitals and health care providers, federal Basic Health Program funding and enrollee premiums.
The information on this page does not cover all program rules.
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Eligibility
To qualify, you must:
- Live in Minnesota
- Have income at or below the income limit
- Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national, lawfully present or a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) grantee if you are 18 or older (immigration status does not matter for children younger than 18)
- Not be enrolled in free Medicare Part A or have access to Medicare Part B
- Not be incarcerated, unless you are awaiting disposition of charges
What is the income limit?
The income limit (DHS-3461A) (PDF) and whose income is counted depend on who lives with you and who you include on your federal income tax return, if you file taxes.
What is the asset limit?
There is no asset limit for MinnesotaCare. Assets are items like cars, checking and savings accounts, your home and financial investments.
What if I have or can get other insurance?
You cannot qualify for MinnesotaCare if you have other health insurance. Also, you cannot qualify if you can get insurance that is considered affordable and comprehensive through a job.
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Benefits
MinnesotaCare pays for a variety of services like doctor visits, prescriptions, and hospital stays. Coverage may be different for children, pregnant people and other adults. Also, some services and prescriptions may require prior approval. Some enrollees may have to pay a copay for services.
What does coverage cost?
Most enrollees pay a monthly premium. Your premium amount is based on your family’s income, family size and the number of people covered. The following enrollees have no premium:
- Children under the age of 21.
- American Indians and Alaska Natives and their households.
- Members of the military who are approved for MinnesotaCare within 24 months after completing active duty, and their households. These MinnesotaCare enrollees do not pay premiums for 12 months.
- Effective through December 31, 2025, people in a household that has a combined annual income less than 160 percent of the federal poverty limit (DHS-4139A) (PDF).
When does coverage start?
Coverage starts the first day of the month after you pay your premium. If you do not have a premium, coverage starts the first day of the month after your application is approved.
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Apply
You may apply for MinnesotaCare at any time during the year. For information on how to apply for MinnesotaCare, visit our Apply Now webpage for MinnesotaCare.
