Key threshold: If your income is below $22,025 (individual) or $45,540 (family of 4), you likely qualify for Medical Assistance / MinnesotaCare with free or very low-cost coverage. No premiums, no deductibles.
Minnesota Medicaid Income Limits 2026
The following table shows the key income thresholds for Minnesota in 2026:
| Household Size | 100% FPL | 138% FPL (Medicaid Limit) | 400% FPL (Subsidy Limit) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $22,025 | $63,840 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $29,863 | $86,560 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $37,702 | $109,280 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $45,540 | $132,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $53,378 | $154,720 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $61,217 | $177,440 |
If your household income falls below the 138% FPL column, you qualify for Medical Assistance / MinnesotaCare. If your income is between 138% and 400% FPL, you qualify for ACA marketplace subsidies to help pay for private insurance.
About Medical Assistance / MinnesotaCare
Who Qualifies for Medical Assistance / MinnesotaCare
In Minnesota, Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare are the state's programs designed to help you access affordable healthcare. Adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) can qualify for Medical Assistance, while MinnesotaCare extends coverage to those with incomes up to 200% FPL, provided you don't have access to other affordable insurance. For a single person, 138% FPL is approximately $21,597 annually, and for a family of four, it's around $44,367. If your income is between 138% and 200% FPL, for example, up to $31,300 for an individual or $64,300 for a family of four, you might qualify for MinnesotaCare. Many different groups are covered, including children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. As of October 2025, over 1.17 million Minnesotans were enrolled in Medicaid/CHIP, demonstrating it's a widely used and crucial program in the state.
If You're Near the Income Line
If your income hovers around the Medicaid cutoff, you could transition to marketplace coverage through MNsure, Minnesota's health insurance marketplace. With subsidies, your costs for a benchmark Silver plan could be significantly reduced. For instance, the benchmark Silver plan in Minnesota is around $355 per month, which is lower than the national average. If your income changes, you might shift between Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, or subsidized marketplace plans. It's important to remember that during the recent "unwinding" period, where eligibility reviews resumed after the pandemic, many Minnesotans lost public coverage. If you were among them, you can reapply at any time through MNsure to see what you qualify for now.
What Medical Assistance / MinnesotaCare Covers
Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare provide comprehensive benefits with little to no cost-sharing for many enrollees. Medical Assistance generally has no monthly premiums. MinnesotaCare, however, may involve a small monthly premium based on your income, though many enrollees don't pay one, and co-payments for some services, though children under 21 and American Indians enrolled in a federally recognized tribe have no co-pays. Minnesota also offers several Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers through Medical Assistance, which help individuals with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or age-related needs receive care in their homes and communities instead of institutions. These waivers cover services like personal care assistance, home modifications, and adult day services.
Tips for Applying
Be aware that processing delays can occur, and thorough documentation of your income and household information is crucial for enrollment and renewals. During the unwinding period, many people faced "procedural disenrollment" because their contact information was outdated, leading to missed renewal notices. Minnesota's uninsured rate increased from 3.8% in 2023 to 5.8% in 2025, with lower-income individuals being disproportionately affected. Additionally, the state is temporarily pausing new provider enrollment across 13 Medicaid services due to fraud concerns, though exceptions will be made where capacity is needed. To ensure continuous coverage, keep your contact information updated with MNsure and respond promptly to any requests for information.
Marketplace Insurance in Minnesota
Minnesota residents who do not qualify for Medicaid can purchase private health insurance through MNsure. The average benchmark (second-lowest cost Silver) plan in Minnesota costs approximately $355/month for a 40-year-old in 2026.
Premium tax credits (subsidies) are available for households with income between 100% and 400% FPL. Here is what a 40-year-old individual in Minnesota might pay for a Silver plan after subsidies, based on the $355/month benchmark:
| Income Level | Annual Income | Your Cost | Monthly Subsidy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150% FPL | $23,940 | ~$80/mo | $275/mo |
| 200% FPL | $31,920 | ~$173/mo | $182/mo |
| 250% FPL | $39,900 | ~$277/mo | $78/mo |
| 300% FPL | $47,880 | ~$355/mo | $0/mo |
| 400% FPL | $63,840 | ~$355/mo | $0/mo |
These estimates are for a 40-year-old individual on a benchmark Silver plan in Minnesota. Actual premiums depend on your age, household size, tobacco use, and plan choice. Households with income between 100-250% FPL also qualify for cost-sharing reductions (CSR) on Silver plans, which lower deductibles and copays. Minnesota runs its own marketplace through MNsure.
How to Apply for Medical Assistance / MinnesotaCare
Medicaid enrollment is open year-round — there's no deadline. You can apply through any of these channels:
- Online: Apply through MNsure — the system automatically checks your Medical Assistance / MinnesotaCare eligibility when you enter your income.
- Phone: Call Minnesota's Medicaid helpline for guided help with your application.
- In person: Visit your local human services office or a certified application counselor.
You'll need proof of income (pay stubs or tax returns), proof of Minnesota residency, and Social Security numbers for household members.
Calculate Your Subsidy in Minnesota
Enter your income, age, and household size to see if you qualify for Medicaid or marketplace subsidies in Minnesota.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I earn and still qualify for Medical Assistance / MinnesotaCare?
In 2026, the Medicaid income limit in Minnesota is 138% of the federal poverty level: $22,025 per year for an individual, $29,863 for a household of 2, $37,702 for 3, and $45,540 for a family of 4.
Does Minnesota have Medicaid expansion?
Yes, Minnesota has expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Adults aged 19-64 earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level qualify for Medical Assistance / MinnesotaCare.
How do I get help paying for health insurance in Minnesota?
Minnesota residents with household income between 100% and 400% FPL ($15,960 to $63,840 for an individual in 2026) qualify for premium tax credits that reduce the cost of marketplace health insurance. Apply through MNsure.
What is the Minnesota Medicaid program called?
Minnesota's Medicaid program is known as Medical Assistance / MinnesotaCare. It provides health coverage for eligible low-income residents including children, pregnant women, seniors, and adults up to 138% FPL.
What happens if I lose Medicaid coverage in Minnesota?
If your Medical Assistance / MinnesotaCare coverage ends due to income changes or redetermination, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period on the marketplace. This gives you 60 days to sign up for a private plan through MNsure. If your income is between 100-400% FPL, you'll likely qualify for subsidies to help cover the cost.
Can I get Medicaid in Minnesota if I have a job?
Yes. Medicaid eligibility in Minnesota is based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), not your employment status. If your household income is at or below 138% FPL ($22,025 for an individual), you qualify for Medical Assistance / MinnesotaCare even if you work full-time. Many Medical Assistance / MinnesotaCare enrollees are working adults.
Medical Assistance / MinnesotaCare vs. marketplace insurance — which is better?
Medicaid (Medical Assistance / MinnesotaCare) provides free or very low-cost coverage with no premiums. Marketplace plans in Minnesota average $355/month before subsidies — relatively affordable compared to other states. If you're right at the Medicaid income boundary, subsidized marketplace Silver plans with cost-sharing reductions can offer solid coverage.