Health care coverage

New member information

Have you been approved for Medical Assistance (MA) or MinnesotaCare and have questions about your health care coverage?

We can help.

If you recently submitted an application and you’re waiting to hear from us, see After you apply to learn what to expect.

Contact us

Health Care Consumer Support will help you work with your provider to answer your questions about eligibility or coverage.

Call [phone number]

Minnesota Health Care Programs member ID cards

Always carry your member ID card with you. Show your card every time you see a health care provider. If you enroll in a health plan for your MA or MinnesotaCare coverage, you'll also get a card from your health plan that you need to show at each appointment, too.

Also, show the cards for any other health coverage you have, such as Medicare or private insurance.

Each member of your family for whom you applied for coverage must have their own member ID card.

I haven't received my member ID card yet

You can still see your doctor or get a prescription even if you do not have your health care member ID card. Some people who applied through MNsure may not receive notices or member ID cards right away. The Health Care Consumer Support (HCCS) can answer questions and help you work with your doctor or pharmacy to get services and prescriptions you need.

What to show your doctor or pharmacy

If you were told you can get MA or MinnesotaCare, but do not yet have your member ID card:

  • If you applied online through MNsure, print the screen that shows you are approved. 
    • Bring the print out with you to your doctor or pharmacy. 
    • If you cannot print the screen from MNsure, bring any other information you have that says you qualify for coverage.
  • If you got a notice in the mail that said you were approved, bring it with you to show your doctor or pharmacy.
  • If you do not have anything to show you have been approved for coverage, give your Social Security number and birth date to your clinic or pharmacy. They can use that information to check your eligibility.

What your doctor or pharmacy needs to do

We told all health care providers that members may not get member ID cards right away. Your doctor or pharmacy can help you get services and verify your eligibility through our automated systems. They can also call the Provider Call Center if they do not see your information in the system.

My doctor cannot find me in the system.

You can get information about your coverage by calling Health Care Consumer Support. The HCCS will help you work with your provider to get the care you need.

Questions about coverage and benefits

How do I know which program I have?

Check your notice or MNsure account, or contact Health Care Consumer Support.

When does my coverage start?

  • For Medical Assistance (MA), coverage starts the first day of the month you apply. It may start up to three months before the date you apply if you have medical bills. Call the Health Care Consumer Support if you need more information.
  • For MinnesotaCare, coverage starts the month after you are approved or pay your first premium. Call MinnesotaCare if you need more information.

I need to see a doctor, but I do not know whether I have coverage.

You can get information about your coverage by calling Health Care Consumer Support. The HCCS will help you work with your provider to get the care you need.

How do I know what is covered in my Medical Assistance plan?

Look at:

Or call Health Care Consumer Support.

How do I know what is covered in my MinnesotaCare plan?

Look at:

Or call MinnesotaCare.

Can I still see my current doctor?

You can find out if your current doctor is covered by your plan by calling Health Care Consumer Support. The HCCS will help you work with your provider to get the care you need.

Why am I the only person listed on the enrollment form? How do I add other family members?

Contact Health Care Consumer Support.

Application questions

I applied online and sent in proofs I was asked for, but I have not heard back.

Call Health Care Consumer Support.

My application has a "pending" status.

Call Health Care Consumer Support.

I have not been able to file an application online.

Applying online is usually the best option. People who submit a paper application and are eligible for tax credits or want to buy private insurance will still need to complete the online enrollment process.

Look at Tips for completing the MNsure application. Or call MNsure.

To submit a paper application, click the following link: MNsure Application for Health Coverage and Help Paying Costs DHS-6696 (PDF).

Other questions

I have a question about my MinnesotaCare premium.

Look at the MinnesotaCare premiums page or call MinnesotaCare for more information about premiums.

How do I report eligibility changes?