MinnesotaCare
Minnesota
What is MinnesotaCare?
MinnesotaCare provides coverage to people who do not have access to affordable health insurance and have higher income levels than those eligible for Medicaid. The average monthly MinnesotaCare enrollment in fiscal year 2017 was more than 89,000.
Most members pay a monthly premium. The premium amount is based on the family's income. The following members have no premium:
- Children under the age of 21
- American Indians and Alaska Natives and their households
- Members of the military who become eligible for MinnesotaCare within 24 months after completing active duty, and their households. These MinnesotaCare members do not pay premiums for 12 months
- People in a household with income less than 35 percent of the federal poverty limit
MinnesotaCare pays for a variety of services, such as doctor visits, prescriptions and hospital stays. View a summary of covered services and costs.
MinnesotaCare is funded by a state tax on Minnesota hospitals and health care providers, federal Basic Health Program funding, and member premiums and cost sharing.
Administration
MinnesotaCare is administered by Minnesota.
Program Requirements
Qualification Requirements Last Updated on 2025-03-01
To be eligible for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Minnesota and meet all of the following:
- Either 18 years of age and under or a primary care giver with a child(ren) 18 years of age and under, and
- A U.S. Citizen, National, or a Non-Citizen legally admitted into the U.S, and
- Uninsured (and ineligible for Medicaid).
Must not be incarcerated, unless you are awaiting disposition of charges.
In order to qualify, you must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:
| Household Size* | Maximum Income Level (Per Year) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $30,120 |
| 2 | $40,880 |
| 3 | $51,640 |
| 4 | $62,400 |
| 5 | $73,160 |
| 6 | $83,920 |
| 7 | $94,680 |
| 8 | $105,440 |
Application Details
What is the application process for MinnesotaCare?
You may apply for MinnesotaCare at any time during the year. The easiest way is to apply online through MNsure. Or you can instead fill out the paper Application for Health Coverage and Help Paying Costs DHS-6696. If you can't print out the paper application, call the Minnesota Health Care Programs Member Help Desk to get one. The paper application is also available in Hmong, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
Some people should not apply for Minnesota Health Care Programs coverage through MNsure. Learn about how to apply for people with disabilities, children in foster care and seniors.