Medical Assistance coverage

Medical Assistance (MA) may pay for medical bills going back three months from the date we get your application.

The specific program or benefit set that you qualify for determines:

Which health care services are covered
If there are any limits on coverage
What you have to pay, if anything

If you are enrolled in a health plan, you must get services from providers in your health plan's network.

If you are not enrolled in a health plan, you get services on a fee-for-service basis from providers who accept MA.

You can also print a Summary of Coverage, Cost Sharing and Limits (DHS-3860) (PDF) that includes both MA and MinnesotaCare.

There are no deductibles or copays for members on MA.

What services are covered?
This is a summary of services covered by MA. This list does not include all services that are covered.
- Alcohol and drug treatment
- Chiropractic care
- Dental care
- Doctor and clinic visits
- Emergency room (ER) care
- Eyeglasses
- Family planning services
- Hearing aids
- Home care
- Hospice care
- Hospital services (inpatient and outpatient)
- Immunizations and vaccines
- Interpreter services
- Lab and X-ray services
- Licensed birth center services
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Medical transportation (access, ambulance and special)
- Mental health care
- Nursing homes and intermediate care facilities for people with developmental disabilities ICF-DD
- Outpatient surgery
- Prescriptions and medication therapy management
- Rehabilitative therapy
- Urgent care
Some services or prescriptions may require prior approval.

You may need to fill out a form before MA can pay for some long-term care services including nursing homes. Contact your county or tribal office or worker for more information.

For details about covered services:
- Call your health plan member services or refer to your health plan evidence of coverage.
- Call the Department of Human Services (DHS) Health Care Consumer Support if you are not in a health plan, or refer to the MHCP evidence of coverage for fee-for-service members.
What services are NOT covered?
- Artificial ways to become pregnant, including in vitro fertilization and fertility drugs
- Autopsy
- Cosmetic surgery
- Dental services deemed to be cosmetic or not medically necessary
- Gender-reassignment surgery
- Investigational or experimental medications or devices
- Medical cannabis
- Medications used for weight loss or erectile dysfunction
- Missed appointments
- Vocational or educational services
Will I have to pay back the cost of the MA services I receive?
Contact us
- Health plan member services
- Department of Human Services (DHS) Health Care Consumer Support contact information