Medical Assistance
What is Medical Assistance (MA)?
Medical Assistance (MA) is Minnesota’s Medicaid program for people with low income. Most people who have MA get health care through health plans. You can choose a health plan from those serving MA members in your county. MA serves children and families, pregnant women, adults without children, seniors, and people who are blind or have a disability.
To get MA coverage, you must:
- Be a MN resident.
- Be a US citizen or a qualifying noncitizen.
- Provide a Social Security number for each person requesting MA, unless an exception is met.
- Meet the income level and asset limit, if any.
- Meet any other program rules.
MA pays for a variety of services like doctor visits, prescriptions, and hospital stays. Some services and prescriptions may require prior approval.
For some members, there is no cost. Others may have to pay down a portion of the cost of a service. This may include copays, deductibles, or spenddowns. You will get more details on covered services after your application is approved.
Once I Apply, how long is the wait time?
Your county agency will let you know if you are eligible for assistance, within 15 days for pregnant women; 45 days for non-disabled applicants; 60 days if county agency needs a disability certification. If a decision is not made in that time, the county agency will explain why in writing.
When does coverage start?
MA may pay for medical bills going back 3 months from the month we get your application.