Medical Assistance (MA) in Minnesota, also known as Medicaid, is a program designed for low-income individuals, encompassing many beneficiaries, including children and families, pregnant women, adults without children, seniors, and those who are blind or disabled. The program primarily delivers health care through health plans, allowing members to choose from available plans in their county. However, MA operates on a fee-for-service model for those not receiving care through a health plan, where healthcare providers bill the state directly for services rendered to MA members.
Minnesota's Medicaid program, known as Medical Assistance (MA), covers various services and varying costs for members depending on their eligibility. Some services may be free, while others involve copays, deductibles, or spenddowns. Prior approval might be required for certain services and prescriptions. Coverage can also be retroactive, covering medical bills up to three months before the application date.
Here's a summary of the services covered:
Additional forms may be required for specific long-term care services like nursing homes. More detailed information on covered services is available after application approval and can also be found in MA's online and printable summaries.
Eligibility requirements for Medicaid in Minnesota, known as Medical Assistance (M.A.), include several key criteria:
Applicants must be Minnesota residents.
They must be U.S. citizens or qualifying noncitizens.
A Social Security number is required for each individual applying for M.A. unless certain exceptions are met.
Eligibility depends on income limits, which vary based on age, household composition, and specific conditions such as pregnancy, blindness, or disability. Some individuals exceeding the income limit may still qualify through a spend-down process, similar to an insurance deductible.
The consideration of assets (like cars, bank accounts, homes, and financial investments) varies:
Applicants with other health insurance or potential coverage through an employer or military service may still qualify for M.A. In some cases, M.A. may cover the cost of the other insurance to allow the individual to maintain that coverage.
These criteria provide a framework for determining eligibility for Medicaid in Minnesota, but specific situations may require additional consideration.
Applying for Medicaid in Minnesota, also known as Medical Assistance (MA), can be done through several methods, with the most common being through MNsure, Minnesota's health insurance marketplace.
The primary method for applying is online through MNsure. This platform is designed to streamline the application process and offers guidance for completing the application. It's beneficial for real-time updates and tracking the status of your application.
The MNsure paper application form DHS-6696 is available in PDF format for those who prefer or require a paper application. This form can be filled out and returned per the instructions on the form or MNsure's website.
It's important to note that certain groups, typically seniors and individuals with disabilities, should not apply through MNsure. These groups may have different application procedures and requirements tailored to their needs.
Gather necessary documentation and information, such as income details and social security numbers, before starting the application process to ensure a smoother and more efficient application experience.
To renew Medicaid coverage in Minnesota, individuals can access the Minnesota Department of Human Services website, which provides detailed instructions and resources for the renewal process. The website offers specific guidelines on renewing coverage, including necessary forms and contact information for any assistance required.
Beneficiaries must follow these guidelines carefully to ensure continuous coverage and access to healthcare services under the Medicaid program. For complete details and instructions, please visit the Minnesota Department of Human Services website on renewing Medicaid coverage: Renew my coverage.
