I need to:
Apply for health care
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Find a doctor
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See what's covered
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Report a change
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Renew my coverage
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Find a form
tcm:1052-733498MinnesotaCare is a health care program for Minnesotans with low incomes. To find out whether you qualify for MinnesotaCare, you must apply.
- 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.
- Fee-for-service means that your providers bill 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.
Who is eligible?
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
How do I apply?
The easiest way for most people to apply is online through MNsure. Some people will need to apply in a different way including seniors, people with disabilities and youth formerly in foster care. You can get free help applying for coverage.
Learn more about applyingHow much does coverage cost?
Most enrollees pay a monthly premium based on their family’s income. Some people do not pay a monthly premium, including children, American Indians and Alaskan Natives and their families, military members and their families and households with very low incomes.
Learn about premiumsWhat's covered?
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.
Learn what's coveredHow do I find a doctor?
If you are not a health plan member, you can go to any doctor, dentist or other provider who accepts MinnesotaCare fee-for-service coverage.
If you are a health plan member you must go to doctors, dentists and other providers who are in your health plan's network for most services.
Find a providerHow do I pay my premium?
You can pay your premium online, by phone, by mail or in person.
Pay online Learn more about premiums and how to payWhat's the income limit?
The income limit 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.
Income limitsWhat's 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.
I need to renew my coverage
You are required to renew your MinnesotaCare coverage annually. Sometimes we can renew your coverage automatically and you will be asked to make sure your information is correct. If we can't automatically renew your coverage, we will send a renewal form for you to complete, sign and return.
I need to report a change
If you get MinnesotaCare or Medical Assistance, you must report all changes for yourself and your family members within a certain number of days of the change happening.
Learn about reporting changes