
MinnesotaCare is a health care program for Minnesotans with low incomes who need financial assistance with health insurance but do not qualify for Medical Assistance (Medicaid). It is funded by a state tax on hospitals and health care providers, federal funding, and enrollee premiums. MinnesotaCare pays for services like doctor visits, prescriptions, and hospital stays. Enrollees get health care services through a health plan or on a fee-for-service basis. Most enrollees pay a monthly premium based on their income, family size, and the number of people covered. On the other hand, insured or insurance refers to an individual having coverage by an employer-paid insurance plan or a federal health insurance program like Medicare for people over 65 or with certain disabilities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| MinnesotaCare | A health care program for Minnesotans with low incomes |
| Funded by a state tax on hospitals and health care providers, federal funding, and enrollee premiums | |
| Cannot be availed if you have other health insurance | |
| Most enrollees pay a monthly premium based on income, family size, and number of people covered | |
| Enrollees get health care services through a health plan or on a fee-for-service basis | |
| Applications can be requested by calling or applying in person | |
| Open enrollment in Minnesota began on November 1, 2024, and ended on January 15, 2025 | |
| Insured | Employer-paid insurance where the employer pays 50% or more of the monthly premium |
| Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people over 65 and certain people with disabilities | |
| Medical Assistance helps pay for Medicare premiums, deductibles, and co-pays |
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What You'll Learn
- MinnesotaCare is for those who need financial aid for health insurance but don't qualify for Medical Assistance
- MinnesotaCare is funded by state taxes, federal funding, and enrollee premiums
- You can apply for MinnesotaCare at any time, but you can't qualify if you have other insurance
- MinnesotaCare pays for doctor visits, prescriptions, and hospital stays, but some services require prior approval
- MinnesotaCare and Medical Assistance are both public health care programs with year-round enrollment

MinnesotaCare is for those who need financial aid for health insurance but don't qualify for Medical Assistance
MinnesotaCare is a program offered through MNsure, designed for those who need financial assistance for health insurance but do not qualify for Medical Assistance (Medicaid). The income limits for MinnesotaCare are higher than those for the Prepaid Medical Assistance Program (PMAP).
Minnesotans with low incomes can apply for MinnesotaCare at any time during the year. Enrollees get health care services through a health plan or on a fee-for-service basis. Most enrollees get health care through a health plan, which they can choose from those available in the county where they live. Those who do not get health care through a health plan get care on a fee-for-service basis, with providers billing the state directly for services provided. MinnesotaCare is funded by a state tax on hospitals and healthcare providers, federal funding, and enrollee premiums.
Most MinnesotaCare members who are not pregnant and are 21 or older will pay a monthly premium and copays for covered health care benefits. Premiums are $0 to $28, depending on income, and are paid to the state MinnesotaCare Office. For example, a $28 copay may be required for an office visit that isn't for preventive care or mental health and substance use disorder services.
To qualify for MinnesotaCare, applicants must be U.S. citizens or qualifying noncitizens, not currently insured or covered by other health insurance within the last four months, and meet income and asset guidelines. There is an asset limit of $10,000 for one person and $20,000 for two or more people. Pregnant women and children under 21 have no asset limits. Applications require proof of income, such as federal 1040 tax forms, W-2 forms, wage statements, or pay stubs.
Medical Assistance, on the other hand, is a program that pays for medical care for very low-income Minnesotans. It is funded by federal and state dollars and has specific eligibility requirements. Medical Assistance for Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB), for instance, helps pay Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, co-insurance, and co-pays. The Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) or "extra help" helps pay Medicare Part D prescription drug premiums, co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles for eligible individuals. Depending on income and assets, individuals may be eligible for full or partial assistance.
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MinnesotaCare is funded by state taxes, federal funding, and enrollee premiums
MinnesotaCare is a healthcare program for Minnesotans with low incomes. It is funded by state taxes, federal funding, and enrollee premiums. MinnesotaCare is offered through MNsure, a marketplace for health insurance plans.
State taxes on Minnesota hospitals and healthcare providers contribute significantly to the funding of MinnesotaCare. This funding mechanism ensures that the program has a dedicated revenue stream from within the state, allowing it to provide healthcare services to those in need. The state taxes are levied specifically on healthcare entities, recognising their role in contributing to the overall health and well-being of the community.
Federal funding also plays a crucial role in supporting MinnesotaCare. The program receives federal dollars through the Basic Health Program funding stream. This federal contribution demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that Minnesotans have access to affordable healthcare, regardless of their income levels. The federal government's involvement provides additional resources to supplement the state taxes and enrollee premiums, making the program more sustainable and accessible.
Enrollee premiums are another important source of funding for MinnesotaCare. Most enrollees in the program are required to pay a monthly premium, which is based on their income, family size, and the number of people covered. This premium is typically paid to the state MinnesotaCare Office, with amounts ranging from $0 to $28 per month for individuals 21 and older who are not pregnant. The premiums collected from enrollees help cover the cost of providing healthcare services and ensure that the program has a consistent source of funding directly from its beneficiaries.
MinnesotaCare's funding structure, combining state taxes, federal support, and enrollee premiums, allows the program to offer healthcare coverage to those who need financial assistance but do not qualify for other programs like Medicaid. By utilising multiple funding sources, MinnesotaCare can provide a safety net for individuals and families who might otherwise struggle to afford necessary healthcare services. The program's funding model aims to strike a balance between state, federal, and individual contributions, ensuring that healthcare remains accessible and affordable for Minnesota's low-income population.
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You can apply for MinnesotaCare at any time, but you can't qualify if you have other insurance
MinnesotaCare is a health care program for Minnesotans with low incomes. It is designed for people who need financial assistance with health insurance but do not qualify for Medical Assistance (Medicaid). The income limits for MinnesotaCare are higher than those for the Prepaid Medical Assistance Program (PMAP). Most MinnesotaCare members get their coverage from a health plan, which they choose from the options available in the county where they live.
You can apply for MinnesotaCare at any time during the year. However, you cannot qualify if you have other health insurance or can get insurance that is considered affordable and comprehensive through your job. To apply, you must be a U.S. citizen or a qualifying noncitizen, live in Minnesota, meet income and asset guidelines, and not be enrolled in free Medicare Part A. You can request an application by calling MinnesotaCare or downloading and printing the form from the Minnesota Department of Human Services website. You can also apply in person at some county human service agencies or at the Minnesota Department of Human Services office in downtown St. Paul.
It is important to note that most enrollees in MinnesotaCare pay a monthly premium, which is based on their family's income, family size, and the number of people covered. However, children under the age of 21 are not required to pay a premium. MinnesotaCare covers various services, including doctor visits, prescriptions, and hospital stays. Coverage may differ for children, pregnant people, and other adults, and some services and prescriptions may require prior approval.
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MinnesotaCare pays for doctor visits, prescriptions, and hospital stays, but some services require prior approval
MinnesotaCare is a health care program for Minnesotans with low incomes. It is designed for those who need financial assistance with health insurance but do not qualify for Medical Assistance (Medicaid). MinnesotaCare covers doctor visits, prescriptions, and hospital stays, but some services and prescriptions may require prior approval.
To qualify for MinnesotaCare, you must be a U.S. citizen or a qualifying noncitizen, and not currently insured or covered by other health insurance within the last four months. There are also income and asset guidelines to meet. For example, there is an asset limit of $10,000 for one person and $20,000 for two or more people. However, pregnant women and children under 21 years old have no asset limits.
Most MinnesotaCare members receive their coverage from a health plan, with most enrollees getting 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 receive care on a fee-for-service basis, with providers billing the state directly for the services they provide.
MinnesotaCare is funded by a state tax on Minnesota hospitals and healthcare providers, federal funding, and enrollee premiums. Most enrollees pay a monthly premium, with premiums ranging from $0 to $28 depending on income. Children under the age of 21 are not required to pay a premium. Some enrollees may also have to pay a copay for services, such as $10 for generic prescription drugs or $28 for an office visit that isn't for preventive care.
It is important to note that MinnesotaCare is different from being insured through an employer-paid insurance plan or private insurance. MinnesotaCare is a public health care program, and you cannot qualify for it if you have other health insurance or can get insurance that is considered affordable and comprehensive through your job.
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MinnesotaCare and Medical Assistance are both public health care programs with year-round enrollment
MinnesotaCare and Medical Assistance (MA) are both public health care programs with year-round enrollment. MinnesotaCare is a program offered through MNsure for Minnesotans with low incomes who need financial assistance with health insurance but do not qualify for Medical Assistance (Medicaid). It is funded by a state tax on hospitals and healthcare providers, federal funding, and enrollee premiums. Most enrollees pay a monthly premium ranging from $0 to $28, depending on income, family size, and the number of people covered. MinnesotaCare covers doctor visits, prescriptions, and hospital stays, with some services requiring prior approval and some enrollees having to pay a copay.
Medical Assistance (MA) is Minnesota's largest health care program and serves children and families, pregnant women, adults without children, seniors, and people with disabilities. It is funded by federal and state dollars and helps pay for medical care for very low-income Minnesotans. Depending on income and assets, individuals may be eligible for full or partial assistance with Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, co-insurance, and co-pays. MA applicants must disclose if they have other health insurance or could get coverage through an employer or military service, but having other insurance does not necessarily disqualify them.
To apply for MinnesotaCare, individuals can call, print and mail, or apply in person at a Minnesota Department of Human Services office or local medical provider, school, or human service agency. Enrollment is open year-round, and applicants must be U.S. citizens or qualifying noncitizens, not currently insured or covered by other health insurance within the last four months, and meet income and asset guidelines.
To apply for Medical Assistance, individuals can call or visit the human service agency in their county of residence. Applicants can apply even if they are unsure of their eligibility and may receive help filling out the application.
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Frequently asked questions
MinnesotaCare is a health care program for Minnesotans with low incomes. It is funded by a state tax on hospitals and health care providers, federal funding, and enrollee premiums.
To be eligible for MinnesotaCare, you must be a U.S. citizen or a qualifying noncitizen, live in Minnesota, meet income and asset guidelines, and not be covered by other health insurance.
You can apply for MinnesotaCare at any time during the year by calling, mailing, or applying in person at a human service agency or the Minnesota Department of Human Services office.
Being insured refers to having private health insurance, which is typically obtained through an employer or purchased individually. MinnesotaCare is a public health care program offered by the state of Minnesota for individuals who meet certain income and eligibility requirements and do not have access to other insurance.
No, you cannot have MinnesotaCare and private insurance simultaneously. To be eligible for MinnesotaCare, you cannot be enrolled in other health insurance or have access to affordable insurance through your employer.












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