Benefits Guide
MinnesotaCare
MinnesotaCare (MN Care) is a reduced–cost health coverage program for families with children and some adults who do not have access to employer–sponsored insurance and cannot afford private insurance.
Coverage for MN Care is comprehensive, and people enrolled are expected to pay a premium. The premium is based on income and family size. Enrollees will be billed monthly for their MN Care premium. They will also be responsible for copays of $3 and $6 for some services and a $25 copay for eyeglasses. MN Care does not pay for any past medical bills.
Coverage for MN Care begins the month after the first premium payment is made. If enrollees are cancelled for non–payment of a premium, they will have to wait four months to re–enroll.
Eligibility
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or have acceptable immigration status. Everyone applying for MN Care (including children) must have a Social Security number or be willing to apply for one. In large families with incomes over $50,000, only the children are eligible for coverage.
Adults must be residents of Minnesota for six months in order to eligible for MN Care. Applicants cannot currently have employer–sponsored insurance, where the employer is paying more than 50% of the insurance premium. Applicants must also be without insurance for four months prior to applying for MN Care. Children with family income under 100% of the federal poverty guidelines are not subject to the four month rule. Please see this PDF for more information on income and asset guidelines.
How to Apply
You may obtain a Minnesota Health Care Programs application through a download from the Minnesota Department of Human Services website or by mailing a request for an application to the Minnesota Department of Human Services at:
Health Care Eligibility and Access
PO Box 64989
St. Paul, MN 55164–0989
Phone: 651–431–2283 or 888–938–3224
Fax: 651–431–7423
Once completed, the application can be mailed to:
MinnesotaCare
PO Box 64838
St. Paul, MN 55164–0838
MN Care enrollees must reapply annually and must report changes in income or household composition as they occur.
More Information
For more information about MinnesotaCare, visit the Minnesota Department of Services website.
