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.
MA (Medical Assistance): is Minnesota’s Medicaid Program for people with low income. This section will cover anyone who is elderly (65 years old and older), anyone who is requesting help with Medicare costs only, Anyone with Medicare coverage over the age of 21 years old, Anyone who is on SSI disability through Social Security, Anyone applying for Medical Assistance for Employed Person with Disabilities. (MA-EPD), Anyone who lives in or needs Long Term Care Services.
Medicare Savings Programs: Medicare Savings Programs are for people with low income on Medicare pay Medicare premiums and/or other Medicare costs.
Long Term Care Services: Long Term care Services is a program with a variety of services for people in need of long term care services in a nursing home or immediate care facility, or nursing facility level of care in an inpatient hospital and/or services to help someone stay in their home and other settings in their community through home and community based waiver programs. You must have an Long Term Care consultation (LTCC) assessment before this program can pay for services.
How to apply for Long Term Care Services: A person would need to complete an Application for Medical Assistance for Long Term Care Services (MA-LTC) at your local county office. You can also contact Senior Linkage Line or Disability HUB MN to assist you in applying.
For other organizations to help assist you in applying for Health care, please visit our resources page.
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/
Senior Linkage Line:
Medicare 101 Handout: https://mn.gov/senior-linkage-line/assets/Medicare%20101_tcm1150-441773.pdf