How to Apply for Minnesota Medicaid
Updated August 2026
Minnesota offers multiple application paths depending on your situation. Adults, children, families, people with disabilities, and seniors each have a specific route, though most applications ultimately go through the same county-administered system.
Four ways to apply for Medical Assistance in Minnesota
- Online via MNsure: Apply at mnsure.org. MNsure is Minnesota's health insurance marketplace; it routes your application to DHS for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare based on your income. Available 24/7.
- County or tribal office: Apply in person at your local county social services or human services office. Tribal offices serve American Indian residents and can assist with MA applications. County staff can also help with spenddown calculations.
- By phone: Call 1-800-657-3739 to speak with a state health care programs representative. For people with disabilities, a separate application process exists through the county.
- Paper application: Download a paper application from mn.gov/dhs, complete it, and mail or hand-deliver it to your county office. This is an option if you prefer not to apply online or by phone.
What you'll need for your application
You do not need to have all documents ready to start your application. Submit what you can, and DHS or your county will tell you what additional verification is needed.
- Social Security numbers for each person applying (or proof of application if you don't have one yet)
- Proof of Minnesota residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, or mail with your address
- Income documentation — recent pay stubs, employer letter, or tax return
- Self-employment income — most recent federal tax return and a profit/loss statement
- Immigration documents for non-citizens who are qualified noncitizens
- Other health insurance information, if you have it — MA may pay your other plan's premium
What happens after you apply
DHS and counties process most Medical Assistance applications within 45 days. Applications for people with disabilities may take up to 90 days. Once approved, you will receive a notice indicating which program you qualified for and whether you need to choose a health plan.
If you need to choose a managed care health plan, you will have a window to select one. If you do not choose, DHS may auto-enroll you in an available plan in your county. You can switch plans annually or under certain circumstances.
Medical Assistance coverage can go back three months from the month DHS receives your application — meaning bills you paid during those three months may be reimbursed if you are approved. Ask your county office about retroactive coverage when you apply.
Applying for seniors and people with disabilities
People 65 and older, and people who are blind or have a disability, apply through their county or tribal office rather than through MNsure for most situations. The application for these groups involves an asset review in addition to income review.
If you are applying for long-term care services — nursing facility care or home and community-based waiver services — contact your county social services office for guidance on the specific forms and process. Long-term care eligibility requires a level-of-care determination in addition to the financial screening.
Medical Assistance (Minnesota Medicaid)
Visit the official Minnesota Medicaid websiteRelated guides
How to Apply
A step-by-step walkthrough of the application process and what you'll need.
Read more →Eligibility Requirements
The income, household, age, and state rules that determine who qualifies.
Read more →Approval Time
Federal processing deadlines and what affects your approval timeline.
Read more →