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Changes are coming to Medicaid, called Medical Assistance (MA) in Minnesota. Nothing has changed yet, and no action is needed right now. The first changes begin in October 2026. We will keep Minnesotans informed as details are confirmed.
What are the changes, who is affected and when?
Noncitizen adults
What: Change in eligible immigration statuses for certain noncitizen adults to qualify for MA
When: Oct. 1, 2026
Who:This change applies to noncitizen adults age 21 or older who are not pregnant, with certain immigration statuses such as refugees, asylees, Afghan and Ukrainian humanitarian parolees, trafficking victims, battered noncitizens, and qualified noncitizen veterans. They will not be eligible for MA starting Oct. 1, 2026.
Only noncitizens adults (age 21 or older) who are not pregnant, with the following immigration statuses will be eligible for MA.
- Lawful permanent residents (LPRs or “green card holders”) who satisfy a five-year waiting period or meet an exception to the five-year waiting period
- Cuban or Haitian entrants
- Compact of Free Association (COFA) migrants – people who are citizens of Micronesia, Palau and the Marshall Islands.
Note, children under age 21 who are lawfully present and people who are pregnant regardless of their immigration status will still be eligible for MA.
Work requirements
What: Work requirements for some adults to qualify for MA
When: Jan. 1, 2027
Who: People ages 21 to 64 who do not live with their children under age 19, are not pregnant, are not American Indian or Alaska Native, and are not receiving MA based on a disability.
Starting in 2027, these adults will need to report work, school, volunteering, work program, or an exemption to get or keep MA coverage. Learn more about who may be affected, what qualifying activities count, what the exemptions are, and what you can do now to help keep your coverage.
Six-month renewal
What: Six-month renewals for some adults on MA
When: Jan. 1, 2027
Who: People ages 21 to 64 who do not live with their children under age 19, are not pregnant, are not American Indian or Alaska Native, and are not receiving MA based on a disability.
Starting in 2027, these MA enrollees will need to renew their coverage every six months instead of once a year. Learn more about who may be affected, what notices to watch for, and how to avoid a gap in coverage.
Retroactive coverage
What: Limits on MA retroactive coverage
When: Jan. 1, 2028
Who: People who apply for MA on or after Jan. 1, 2028
Federal law will shorten how far back MA can pay for covered medical bills before a person applies. However, Minnesota will continue offering three months of retroactive coverage through 2027 using state funding, delaying the federal law impact for Minnesotans until Jan. 1, 2028. Learn why applying early, renewing on time and avoiding coverage gaps will matter even more.
Who will not be affected?
MA plays a major role in contributing to Minnesota’s health care sector and public health, so many Minnesotans will likely experience some downstream effects from these significant changes. However, most current MA enrollees will not be directly impacted by these changes if they:
- Get coverage based on a disability
- Are 65 or older
- Are 20 or younger
- Are pregnant
- Are an American Indian or Alaska Native
What should I do now?
Tools for partners
Providers and community partners can help people with MA stay informed about federal changes and avoid gaps in coverage. Use the available toolkit materials, including ads, fact sheets, talking points, one-pagers, frequently asked questions and newsletter language, to remind patients and clients to keep their contact information up to date, watch for MA notices, read notices carefully and respond by the deadline.
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