Welfare Info

MinnesotaCare

MinnesotaCare is Minnesota's S-CHIP program, but adults may enroll in the program as well as children if they meet the eligibility criteria. MinnesotaCare provides comprehensive health care coverage. Covered services include doctor visits, immunizati...

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.

Program Requirements

To get coverage, you: 

  • Must be a Minnesota resident 
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the U.S.
  • Must meet the income limit 
  • Must not be enrolled in or have access to Medicare Part A 
  • Must not be enrolled in Medicare Part B
  • 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 $24,280
2 $32,920
3 $41,560
4 $50,200
5 $58,840
6 $67,480
7 $76,120
8 $84,760

*For households with more than eight people, add $8,640 per additional person. Always check with the appropriate managing agency to ensure the most accurate guidelines.

There is no asset limit for MinnesotaCare. Assets are items like cars, checking and savings accounts, your home and financial investments.  

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.

Contact Info

1-800-657-3629