Haris Ashley
Health insurance in Minnesota is a complex topic, with a variety of factors influencing the number of people insured. In 2021, around 5% of Minnesotans under 65 lacked health insurance, with variations depending on location and demographics. Minnesota has two state-based public health insurance programs, Medical Assistance (MA) and MinnesotaCare, alongside federal programs like Medicare, and reforms under the Affordable Care Act have increased coverage, especially for children and low-income adults. The state also offers financial assistance and individual plans, with HealthPartners providing access to care systems, and MNsure helping residents find and enroll in comprehensive coverage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of latest data | 2021 |
| Percentage of people under 65 without health insurance | 5% |
| Regions with the most health insurance coverage | West Central, 7-county Twin Cities Metro (excluding Minneapolis and St. Paul) |
| Regions with the least health insurance coverage | Minneapolis, St. Paul |
| Group most likely to lack health insurance | Hispanics |
| State-based public health insurance programs | Medical Assistance (MA), MinnesotaCare |
| Federal public programs | Medicare |
| Private insurance company | HealthPartners |
| Online marketplace for health insurance | MNsure |
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What You'll Learn
Minnesota's uninsured rate
In 2023, the overall uninsured rate in Minnesota remained low at 2.4%, but disparities persisted. The gap in uninsured rates between Minnesotans of colour and American Indians (6.9%) and non-Hispanic whites (2.4%) remained significant. Additionally, affordability concerns were highlighted, with lower-income Minnesotans, people of colour, and Hispanics experiencing the largest increases in forgone care due to costs.
Young adults in Minnesota, particularly those aged 26-34, have historically been more likely to be uninsured than the statewide average. However, in 2021, young adults' insurance coverage became more similar to the statewide average, with about 7% of men and 4% of women in this age group lacking health insurance. Children in Minnesota generally have better health insurance coverage than the statewide average, with about 3% of children under 18 lacking insurance in 2021.
Geographically, residents of the West Central region of Minnesota and the 7-county Twin Cities Metro area outside of Minneapolis and St. Paul were more likely to have health insurance in 2021. Conversely, individuals living in Minneapolis or St. Paul were less likely to be insured compared to those in Greater Minnesota.
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Public health insurance programs
In 2021, around 5% of Minnesotans under the age of 65 did not have health insurance coverage. People living in the West Central region of the state or in the seven-county Twin Cities Metro outside of Minneapolis or St. Paul were more likely to be insured.
Minnesota has two state-based public health insurance programs: Medical Assistance (MA) and MinnesotaCare. These programs are in addition to federal public programs like Medicare.
Medical Assistance
MA pays for medical care for very low-income Minnesotans. It is funded by federal and state dollars. In 2011, MA expanded its coverage to more low-income adults. To apply for MA, individuals can call or visit the human service agency in their county. Applicants will need to fill out a form and provide proof of their income and assets. MA has different eligibility requirements from Medicare, which is a federal program for people over 65 and certain individuals with disabilities.
MinnesotaCare
MinnesotaCare is a public program where participants pay a premium based on family size and income. It is provided through the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals over 65 and certain people with disabilities. The Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) helps pay for Medicare Part D prescription drug premiums, co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles for eligible individuals. The Medicare Savings Programs also help pay for premiums and other costs for eligible Medicare beneficiaries.
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$39.47 $92.95
Non-group insurance
In Minnesota, as of 2022, approximately 5.6% of residents under the age of 65 (around 254,000 people) had non-group health insurance. This number has fluctuated over the years, with a notable increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, likely due to job losses resulting in a loss of group coverage.
The Minnesota health insurance marketplace, MNsure, provides an online platform where individuals can shop for and compare non-group insurance plans. MNsure offers a range of plans, including Qualified Health Plans (QHPs), which cover essential health benefits, and Catastrophic plans, typically designed for individuals under 30 or facing financial hardships.
When selecting a non-group insurance plan, individuals should consider various factors, including the type and extent of coverage, the provider network, and the cost. Plans typically vary in their coverage of services like prescription drugs, mental health care, and maternity care, so a thorough review of the details is essential before selecting a plan. Additionally, understanding the provider network is crucial, as some plans may have limited networks of doctors and hospitals, impacting an individual's access to care.
Cost is another significant factor, and non-group insurance plans can vary widely in terms of premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Individuals should carefully consider the financial implications, taking into account their anticipated medical needs and budget. Subsidies and tax credits may be available to help offset the cost of coverage for those who qualify.
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Health insurance by region
Health insurance coverage in the United States varies across different regions. In 2023, 92.0% of the population, or approximately 305.2 million people, had health insurance for some or all of the year. This marked a slight increase from 2022, when 92.1% of the population, or around 304 million people, had health insurance coverage.
At the state level, Minnesota has witnessed fluctuations in its uninsured population over the years. In 2021, around 5% of Minnesotans under the age of 65 lacked health insurance coverage. However, people living in certain regions within the state, such as the West Central region or the 7-county Twin Cities Metro outside of Minneapolis and St. Paul, were more likely to have health insurance. On the other hand, residents of Minneapolis and St. Paul were less likely to be insured compared to those in Greater Minnesota.
The changes in health insurance coverage in Minnesota can be attributed to various factors. Between 2001 and 2011, the proportion of uninsured individuals in the state increased, only to decrease between 2011 and 2015. This decrease was influenced by expansions in public programs, such as the Affordable Care Act, which particularly benefited children and low-income adults. Minnesota also has its own state-based public health insurance programs, including Medical Assistance (MA) and MinnesotaCare, which supplement federal programs like Medicare.
Across the United States, the uninsured rate among working-age adults aged 19 to 64 decreased between 2021 and 2022, improving across most racial groups and regions. In 2023, private health insurance coverage remained more prevalent than public coverage, with 65.4% of people opting for private insurance compared to 36.3% for public options. Employment-based insurance was the most common subtype of coverage, followed by Medicaid and Medicare.
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Health insurance plans
Health insurance helps people in the U.S. get the healthcare they need, as healthcare can be very expensive. When a person is insured, a private company or government program pays some or all of their medical bills. In Minnesota, the two state-based public health insurance programs are Medical Assistance (MA) and MinnesotaCare, in addition to federal public programs like Medicare.
In 2021, around 5% of Minnesotans under the age of 65 lacked health insurance coverage. This percentage has fluctuated over the years, with an increase from 2001 to 2011, a decrease between 2011 and 2015, and another increase in 2017 before decreasing again in recent years. People living in the West Central region of the state or in the 7-county Twin Cities Metro outside of Minneapolis or St. Paul were more likely to have health insurance. Those who identified as Hispanic were the most likely to lack health insurance in 2021.
MNsure is Minnesota's health insurance marketplace, where individuals and families can shop, compare, and choose health insurance coverage that meets their needs. It is the only place to apply for financial help to lower the cost of insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs. MNsure offers free in-person assistance through a statewide network of certified navigators and brokers. Most Minnesotans qualify for financial help, and certified assisters can help with the application and enrollment process in person, over the phone, or by virtual meeting.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2021, around 5% of Minnesotans under the age of 65, or people aged 0-64, lacked health insurance coverage. This data may not be directly comparable to previous years due to changes in sampling methods.
Minnesota has two state-based public health insurance programs: Medical Assistance (MA) and MinnesotaCare. There are also federal public programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and employer-sponsored insurance.
The ACA has likely contributed to an increase in public insurance coverage, especially for children and low-income adults. It has also resulted in guaranteed issue for all health plans, meaning carriers cannot refuse to sell a policy based on health history.
Yes, most Minnesotans qualify for financial help to lower the cost of insurance. MNsure is a marketplace that can help individuals and families find, choose, and enrol in comprehensive health coverage.
HealthPartners offers individual and family health insurance plans in Minnesota, providing access to all major care systems and exclusive perks. The Cornerstone network, in partnership with Avera and Access Health, serves people in southwest Minnesota with savings and value.
