How to Apply for Medical Assistance in Minnesota

Applying for medical assistance in Minnesota is a simple process that can be done online or in person.

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Introduction

Applying for Medical Assistance in Minnesota is a process that can seem daunting, but we are here to help you through it. This guide will walk you through the different types of medical assistance available in Minnesota, how to apply for them, and what to expect during the application process.

What is Medical Assistance?

Medical Assistance (MA), also known as MinnesotaCare, is a state-operated, health insurance program in Minnesota that provides health care coverage to low-income adults and children. MA is jointly funded by the state and federal government, and is administered by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

MA provides coverage for a wide range of health care services, including doctor’s visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, mental health services, and more. In order to be eligible for MA, applicants must meet certain income and asset guidelines.

Applying for MA can be done online, by mail, or in person at a local MN DHS office. The application process is relatively simple and only takes a few minutes to complete. After an application has been submitted, it can take up to 30 days for the MN DHS to make a decision on eligibility.

Once an individual has been approved for MA coverage, they will be issued an ID card which will need to be presented whenever health care services are utilized. For more information on Medical Assistance in Minnesota, please visit the MN DHS website.

Who is eligible for Medical Assistance?

You may be eligible for Medical Assistance (MA) if you:
-Have low income
-Have a disability
-Are 65 or older
-Are blind
-Are pregnant
-Have care of a child under 21
-Abuse drugs or alcohol and are getting treatment through a program that accepts MA payments
To get MA, you must also meet citizenship and residency requirements.

How do I apply for Medical Assistance?

To apply for Medical Assistance (MA), you will need to fill out an application and submit it to your county or tribal human services office. The application can be found on the Minnesota Department of Human Services website.

You may also be asked to provide additional information, such as proof of income and residency, so that your eligibility can be determined. After your application is received, a caseworker will contact you to set up an appointment.

At the appointment, you will be asked questions about your situation and your need for MA. You may also be asked to provide documentation, such as pay stubs or medical bills Once your eligibility is determined, you will be notified of the decision in writing.

How do I know if I am eligible for Medical Assistance?

To be eligible for Medical Assistance (MA), you must meet certain financial and non-financial criteria.

Your eligibility for MA is determined by two different types of criteria: financial and non-financial.

Financial criteria are rules about your income and resources. To be eligible for MA, your income must fall below a certain level. The level of income varies depending on your family size.

Non-financial criteria are rules about other things, such as whether you are pregnant, disabled, or 65 years of age or older.

In order to be eligible for MA, you must meet both the financial and non-financial criteria.

What are the income guidelines for Medical Assistance?

In order to qualify for Medical Assistance (MA), your household income must be at or below 133% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

Income guidelines vary depending on the size of your household. For example, as of 2018, a single person could have an annual income of $16,754 and still qualify for MA. A family of four, meanwhile, could have a total annual income of $34,638 and qualify.

It’s important to note that these are just guidelines. You may still qualify for MA even if your income is slightly above the thresholds listed here.

If you have any questions about whether you qualify for MA, or would like help with the application process, please contact your local county office or visit the Minnesota Department of Human Services website.

What are the asset guidelines for Medical Assistance?

In order for your family to qualify for Medical Assistance (MA), your total household assets must not exceed $5,000. The equity value of your home is not counted as an asset if you or a dependent live in the home. Other exempt assets include:

-One motor vehicle per adult member of the household
-Prepaid funeral contracts and burial plots
-Limited cash savings, if used to pay for disability-related expenses
-Certain life insurance policies

If you are over the asset limit, you may still be able to qualify for MA through what is called an “Asset Test Exemption.” This exemption allows you to keep certain assets that would normally make you ineligible for MA. To learn more about Asset Test Exemptions and how to apply for them, please visit:

How do I renew my Medical Assistance coverage?

You will need to renew your Medical Assistance coverage every year. You will get a renewal form in the mail about 45 days before your coverage expires. You can also get a renewal form on the MNsure website.

To renew your coverage, you will need to fill out the renewal form and return it to your county or tribal human services office.

What are the changes to Medical Assistance in 2020?

The Medical Assistance (MA) program will make a number of changes in 2020. Some changes will affect everyone who receives MA. Other changes will only affect certain people who get MA.

One of the most significant changes is that, starting in 2020, all able-bodied adults age 21-64 who receive MA must be working, enrolled in school, or participating in a work or training program for at least 80 hours per month. This change is often called the “80-hour rule.”

Other changes include:
– Expanding access to dental care for adults age 21 and over
– Allowing people to keep their MA coverage if they move out of Minnesota for up to six months (previously, people could only keep their coverage for up to three months)
– Improving access to mental health and chemical dependency services

Conclusion

Thank you for taking the time to read this guide. We hope it has been helpful in explaining the process for applying for medical assistance in Minnesota.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us at the Minnesota Department of Human Services.