An update on use of your personal information

The Minnesota Department of Human Services is committed to protecting the privacy and supporting the wellbeing of all Medicaid (called Medical Assistance in Minnesota) members. A recent federal court decision affects how some Medicaid information may be shared at the federal level. This decision has raised questions and concerns for many people. The Minnesota Department of Human Services wants all Medical Assistance members – including those covered under Emergency Medical Assistance (EMA) and CHIP for Pregnant Individuals – to understand what this decision means and how their information may be used by federal authorities. At this time, we have the following information for our members.

What did the federal court decide?

On December 29, 2025, the court ruled that the federal agency, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), may share limited information with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This sharing is allowed only for immigration enforcement and only for people ICE determines are not lawfully living in the United States.

Is Minnesota or Medical Assistance sharing my information with ICE?

No. Minnesota and Medical Assistance are not directly sharing information with ICE.

CMS is a federal agency. The Minnesota Department of Human Services is a state agency. Some information is required to be shared between states and the federal government to run the Medicaid program. Under the court order, the federal government, CMS – not the Minnesota Department of Human Services – may share limited information with ICE in specific situations.

What information could CMS share with ICE under this court order?

Under the court order, CMS could share limited identifying information. Health records can not be included. The following information could be shared with ICE for those CMS believes may not be lawfully living in the U.S.

• Name
• Address included in your application for Medical Assistance
• Phone number
• Date of birth
• Medicaid ID number
• Citizenship or immigration status

Why does Minnesota send my information to the federal government?

Minnesota is required by law to share some Medicaid information with the federal government to run the Medicaid program. This information is sent each month through a federal reporting system.

Will ending my Medical Assistance coverage now protect my information?

No. Ending Medical Assistance coverage does not remove information the federal government may already have received.

What should I do right now?

Talk to a lawyer or a legal aid organization if you have concerns about how your information may be used. The Minnesota Department of Human Services cannot give legal advice. However, we have provided some legal aid resources at the end of this notice that may be helpful. We will share updates if anything changes.

What is Minnesota doing to protect my information?

At the Minnesota Department of Human Services, we believe people should be able to get health care without fear or confusion. We are committed to making sure all Minnesotans, no matter their immigration status, can safely get the care they need.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services is closely watching federal actions and working to protect member privacy. We will share updates if anything changes.

Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota

International Institute of Minnesota

The Advocates for Human Rights

Volunteers Lawyers Network

Immigration Advocates Network: Minnesota Organizations