Assets are things like cars, checking and savings accounts, your home and financial investments. In most cases, your home and one car do not count against the asset limit.
How many assets can I have and still get coverage?
To qualify, the maximum value of assets that you can have depends on:
- The program you qualify for
- Your age
- How many people are in your household
MinnesotaCare and some bases of eligibility for Medical Assistance (MA) do not have an asset test. This means a person’s assets are not counted to decide if he or she qualifies.
A basis of eligibility for MA is a grouping of people based on a set of factors. A person’s basis of eligibility determines the rules and limits to qualify for MA. People who qualify for MA under the following bases of eligibility do not have an asset test:
- Pregnant women
- Infants under Age 2
- Children 2 – 18 Years Old
- Children 19 – 20 Years Old
- Adults without Children ages 21 through 64
- Parents and Caretaker Relatives
To find the asset limit for the category that best describes you or your family, see the Income and Asset Guidelines (PDF). If you have more assets than the limit allows, call your county or tribal office to learn about other options available to you.
If I get coverage, will you put a lien on my house?
A lien is a claim the state makes on your house to get paid back for health care costs the state paid. We may file a lien against your house if all of the following are true:
- You live in a hospital or long-term care facility, such as a nursing home.
- You are not expected to return home.
- Your spouse or certain other family members are not living in your house.
A claim may be made against your estate or your spouse's estate if you received MA on or after age 55. Ask your county or tribal office if the state or county will file a lien.
