Minnesota has health care programs to meet the needs of different people. Some programs help people who have little to no income. Other programs help people who work but do not have access to affordable health insurance. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary depending on the program for which you qualify. Some people can get coverage at no cost.
Most adults (unless noted as an exception), families, and/or children can apply through MNSure for Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, or Private Plans.
Exception: The following people should NOT apply through MNSure, but need to apply with an Application for Certain Populations, which is processed in the county system: Anyone 65 years old or older. Anyone requesting help with Medicare costs only. Any child in foster care. Anyone who is over 21 years old with no dependents and has Medicare coverage. Anyone who receives SSI income. Anyone applying for Medical Assistance for Employed Person with Disabilities. Anyone who lives or needs Long Term Care Services. To request an Application for Certain Populations or if you have questions about an exception, please contact the Sandstone or Pine City offices.
MA (Medical Assistance) is Minnesota’s Medicaid Program for MN residents with low income. This includes, but is not limited to single adults, married couples without children, families, pregnant women, children, and newborns.MinnesotaCare is a health care program for people with low income. MinnesotaCare is funded by a state tax on MN hospitals and health care providers, basic health program funding, enrollee premiums, and cost sharing. This includes, but is not limited to single adults, married couples without children, families, pregnant women, children, and newborns if they are over the MA income guidelines.
Tax Credits and/or Cost-Sharing Reductions are private programs determined and purchased through MNSure. MNSure is Minnesota's health insurance marketplace where individuals, families and small businesses can shop, compare and choose health insurance coverage that meets their needs. MNSure is the only place you can qualify for financial help that can lower the cost of your monthly insurance premium. This includes people who do not qualify or do not request MA or MinnesotaCare.
For more information, resources, forms, and/or other helpful information about MN Health Care Programs please visit the MN Department of Human Services website at https://mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/adults/health-care/
You can also contact the Sandstone and/or Pine City Human Services Office during office hours. If you have a current MNSure/MA case you can contact the MNSure Team via email at mnsure@co.pine.mn.us for more information or to report changes.
Reminder: MN Health Care policy for Adults, Families, and/or Children requires changes to be reported within 10 days of when the change occurs. Changes can include, but are not limited to:
1. Address (Physical or Mailing)
2. Household members (Adding or Removing)
3. Income Changes (Start or Stopping or Change to existing)
4. Pregnancy (Adding or Ending)
5. Health Insurance (Offered or Available)
6. Disability Status
7. Relationship Status (Legally Married or Divorced or Separated)
8. Death of any household member
9. Birth of a new household member
10. Tax Filing Status (including changes each year)
11. Incarceration
12. Name (Legal changes)
13. Gender (Legal changes)
14. Contact Information (Phone or Email)
If you have a change to report, please contact the Pine County MNSure Group by calling 320-216-4100/320-591-1570 or by sending them an email to mnsure@co.pine.mn.us. Be sure to include your case number, full name, and/or social security number on your secure email.
MNSure Quick Tips Videos
Watch our video tips for quick answers to frequently asked questions about the MNsure application and managing your account. For more information please view this MNSure link.
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Who to include in your household for the application with financial help.
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Authorization Failed
What to do if you see "authorization failed" or "pending application."