Minnesota Aging Pathways
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling in Minnesota. Trained counselors go through your costs and choices with you, and they don't sell plans.
Medicare and health costs
Medical Assistance (Medicaid) in Minnesota
Minnesota calls its Medicaid program Medical Assistance (MA).
People 65 and older may qualify with income up to the poverty level and savings up to $3,000 for one person or $6,000 for a couple, higher savings limits than most states. If your income is over the limit, you may still qualify with a spenddown, and your county or tribal office also checks whether you qualify for help with Medicare costs.
How to apply in Minnesota
- By phone
- 1-800-333-2433
- In person
- At your county or tribal human services office, which reviews your application for both Medical Assistance and Medicare Savings Programs. Use the Minnesota Health Care Programs Application for Certain Populations (DHS-3876).
Who may qualify in Minnesota
| One person | Married couple | |
|---|---|---|
| Income limit (July 2026 to June 2027) | $1,330 a month (100% of the poverty level) | $1,804 a month (100% of the poverty level) |
| Savings limit (2026) | $3,000 | $6,000 |
| Spend-down if your income is over the limit | Yes: Medical Assistance for people who are elderly, blind or disabled has a spenddown for people whose income is over the limit |
|---|---|
| Medicaid for adults under 65 (expansion) | Yes: adults without children may qualify for Medical Assistance with income up to $1,768 a month for one person (July 2026 to June 2027), with no asset test |
How Minnesota is different
Where Minnesota's rules differ from the federal rules for Medicaid for people with Medicare.
- Higher income limit: 100% of the poverty level
- Higher savings limit: $3,000 for one person, $6,000 for a couple
- Spenddown available for people over the income limit
Good to know
- Minnesota Aging Pathways (1-800-333-2433) can help older adults with questions about applying.
Free help
Free help with this in Minnesota
Minnesota Aging Pathways
Your local Area Agency on Aging can help with meals, rides, help at home, caregiver support and applying for benefits.
More help in Minnesota
Medicaid for older adults in another state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
- Minnesota Department of Human Services, Insurance Affordability Programs Income and Asset Guidelines (DHS-3461A, 6-26) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Minnesota Department of Human Services, People who need help with Medicare costs (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
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