Federal changes are coming to Medicaid – the backbone of the health care system.
The changes will make it harder for some people to get and keep health insurance.
Some changes will affect certain immigrants starting in October 2026.
Other changes beginning in January 2027 will affect adults ages 21 to 64 who don’t have dependent children or a certified disability.
Another change in January 2027 may affect anyone who qualifies for Medicaid but isn’t signed up.
Learn the facts by visiting the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ federal changes website.
Medicaid – called Medical Assistance in Minnesota – is the largest provider of health insurance in the state, covering 25% of the people who live here.
Here’s how the changes could affect people living in Minnesota:
Changes affecting some immigrants
The earliest federal change begins in October 2026, when some immigrants will lose Medicaid eligibility. Families may experience higher medical bills when these changes begin.
Those affected include refugees, people with humanitarian parole, people who have been granted asylum, some abused spouses and children, victims of human trafficking, and others with humanitarian protections.
Medicaid will remain available to some lawful permanent residents, as well as Cuban and Haitian entrants and migrants under the Compact of Free Association (COFA).
More medical debt
Another federal change starting in January 2027 is likely to leave more people with bills they can’t pay.
Consider a 62-year-old farmer near Bemidji who’s hospitalized for a serious infection. Three months later, his adult daughter takes him to the county to submit a Medicaid application. He is determined to be eligible and enrolls.
Today, Medicaid would cover his hospitalization under a longstanding three-month retroactive coverage period.
But starting in 2027, the federal government will cut the period down to one month for adults ages 21 to 64 without dependent children or a certified disability. With that change, Medicaid won’t pay for the farmer’s hospitalization. Instead, he will receive the bill.
Retroactive coverage will decrease to two months for children, adults 65 and older, and everyone else.
This change may hurt anyone who qualifies but isn’t signed up yet – especially people who experience a medical emergency or mental health issue, find out they have a health condition, or get sick.
Contact a navigator to learn if you qualify for Medicaid and enroll now. Don’t wait for a medical emergency. Protect yourself, your family and your community.
Administrative barriers to Medicaid coverage
Two other changes starting in January 2027 will add new administrative requirements that may cause eligible people to lose Medicaid.
Tasha, 29, manages multiple chronic health conditions that limit her ability to work in rural Otter Tail County. Despite severe fatigue and mobility challenges, she has never been formally certified as disabled. She qualifies for Medicaid based on her income.
Beginning in January 2027, to qualify for Medicaid, adults ages 21 to 64 who don’t have dependent children or a certified disability will have to meet administrative reporting requirements. They will have to verify they are working, in school, in a work program or doing community service. Or they will have to get an exemption.
People who don’t meet the requirements or get an exemption can lose Medicaid. Exemptions include being medically frail, caring for a family member with a disability, receiving substance use disorder treatment, being incarcerated or within 90 days of release, and other circumstances.
Tasha may qualify for an exemption – but getting one won’t be easy because of her limited ability to complete paperwork.
Even if Tasha keeps Medicaid, she will have to renew her insurance more frequently.
Starting in January 2027, adults ages 21 to 64 who don’t have dependent children or a certified disability will have to renew Medicaid every six months, instead of once a year.
People can lose coverage if they miss important mail or don’t respond in time – even if they remain eligible.
What can I do now?
- Visit the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ federal changes page.
- Apply for Medical Assistance (Minnesota’s Medicaid program) now if you are not currently enrolled. Contact a navigator today.
- Keep your contact information up to date so you don’t miss important, time-sensitive materials.
- Renew Medical Assistance on time so you don’t lose your insurance. Look up your renewal date.
- If you’re enrolled and your renewal is current, there’s nothing else you need to do right now.
- Share your story about Medicaid by visiting the Faces of Medicaid page.
MORE SPONSORED CONTENT BY MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
What you need to know about changes coming to Medicaid
Federal changes are coming to Medicaid – the backbone of the health care system.
The changes will make it harder for some people to get and keep health insurance.
Some changes will affect certain immigrants starting in October 2026.
Other changes beginning in January 2027 will affect adults ages 21 to 64 who don’t have dependent children or a certified disability.
Another change in January 2027 may affect anyone who qualifies for Medicaid but isn’t signed up.
Learn the facts by visiting the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ federal changes website.
Medicaid – called Medical Assistance in Minnesota – is the largest provider of health insurance in the state, covering 25% of the people who live here.
Here’s how the changes could affect people living in Minnesota:
Changes affecting some immigrants
The earliest federal change begins in October 2026, when some immigrants will lose Medicaid eligibility. Families may experience higher medical bills when these changes begin.
Those affected include refugees, people with humanitarian parole, people who have been granted asylum, some abused spouses and children, victims of human trafficking, and others with humanitarian protections.
Medicaid will remain available to some lawful permanent residents, as well as Cuban and Haitian entrants and migrants under the Compact of Free Association (COFA).
More medical debt
Another federal change starting in January 2027 is likely to leave more people with bills they can’t pay.
Consider a 62-year-old farmer near Bemidji who’s hospitalized for a serious infection. Three months later, his adult daughter takes him to the county to submit a Medicaid application. He is determined to be eligible and enrolls.
Today, Medicaid would cover his hospitalization under a longstanding three-month retroactive coverage period.
But starting in 2027, the federal government will cut the period down to one month for adults ages 21 to 64 without dependent children or a certified disability. With that change, Medicaid won’t pay for the farmer’s hospitalization. Instead, he will receive the bill.
Retroactive coverage will decrease to two months for children, adults 65 and older, and everyone else.
This change may hurt anyone who qualifies but isn’t signed up yet – especially people who experience a medical emergency or mental health issue, find out they have a health condition, or get sick.
Contact a navigator to learn if you qualify for Medicaid and enroll now. Don’t wait for a medical emergency. Protect yourself, your family and your community.
Administrative barriers to Medicaid coverage
Two other changes starting in January 2027 will add new administrative requirements that may cause eligible people to lose Medicaid.
Tasha, 29, manages multiple chronic health conditions that limit her ability to work in rural Otter Tail County. Despite severe fatigue and mobility challenges, she has never been formally certified as disabled. She qualifies for Medicaid based on her income.
Beginning in January 2027, to qualify for Medicaid, adults ages 21 to 64 who don’t have dependent children or a certified disability will have to meet administrative reporting requirements. They will have to verify they are working, in school, in a work program or doing community service. Or they will have to get an exemption.
People who don’t meet the requirements or get an exemption can lose Medicaid. Exemptions include being medically frail, caring for a family member with a disability, receiving substance use disorder treatment, being incarcerated or within 90 days of release, and other circumstances.
Tasha may qualify for an exemption – but getting one won’t be easy because of her limited ability to complete paperwork.
Even if Tasha keeps Medicaid, she will have to renew her insurance more frequently.
Starting in January 2027, adults ages 21 to 64 who don’t have dependent children or a certified disability will have to renew Medicaid every six months, instead of once a year.
People can lose coverage if they miss important mail or don’t respond in time – even if they remain eligible.
What can I do now?
- Visit the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ federal changes page.
- Apply for Medical Assistance (Minnesota’s Medicaid program) now if you are not currently enrolled. Contact a navigator today.
- Keep your contact information up to date so you don’t miss important, time-sensitive materials.
- Renew Medical Assistance on time so you don’t lose your insurance. Look up your renewal date.
- If you’re enrolled and your renewal is current, there’s nothing else you need to do right now.
- Share your story about Medicaid by visiting the Faces of Medicaid page.
MORE SPONSORED CONTENT BY MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Prepare now for changes coming to Medicaid next year
Federal changes coming next year will make it harder for some people to get and keep Medicaid health insurance.
You may know Medicaid as Medical Assistance, which is what it’s often called in Minnesota.
To protect your health and the health of your family and community, visit the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ federal changes website to learn the facts. And don’t wait for a medical emergency – connect with a navigator to find out if you qualify for Medical Assistance, and sign up today.
Here’s what you need to know about the changes coming in 2026 and 2027.
Eligibility changes affecting some immigrants
Starting on Oct. 1, 2026, some immigrants will no longer qualify for Medicaid because of the federal changes. Immigrants who will no longer be able to get Medicaid include:
- Refugees
- People with humanitarian parole
- People who have been granted asylum
- Some abused spouses and children
- Victims of human trafficking
- Others with humanitarian protection
Medicaid will still be available to some lawful permanent residents, as well as people from Cuba and Haiti and migrants under the Compact of Free Association (COFA).
Families may experience higher medical bills when these changes take effect.
Shorter periods of retroactive coverage
For the past 53 years – since 1972 – Medicaid has provided retroactive coverage going back up to three months from when you apply. If you end up in the hospital or have a health crisis, you’ve still got time to complete the paperwork and get insured. Having insurance helps you avoid medical debt.
But starting in January 2027, it will become harder to get Medicaid to pay bills for care you received before you apply. That’s because the federal government will shorten the periods for this retroactive coverage – down to one month for adults without dependent children who don’t get Medicaid based on a disability, and two months for children, adults 65 and older, and everyone else.
Shorter retroactive coverage can hurt anyone who qualifies for Medicaid but isn’t signed up yet – especially people who have a medical emergency, find out they have a health condition, experience a mental health issue or get sick.
Example:
Maria, age 54, White Earth Nation member, lives in Mahnomen.
Health issue: Maria is diabetic and ends up in the hospital for diabetic ketoacidosis in December 2026. She finally feels better and applies for Medicaid in March 2027 with help from a friend.
Retroactive coverage: Before the federal changes, Medicaid would have covered Maria’s hospitalization. But since the federal changes took effect in January 2027, Medicaid won’t pay for her hospital stay. Maria is left with a $38,000 bill, which she can’t pay. It hurts her credit and her health because now she avoids follow-up visits out of fear of debt collectors.
Many more people like Maria will end up with medical bills they can’t pay. That’s why it’s so important to find out if you qualify for Medical Assistance and enroll now, before you need it.
Work reporting requirements
Starting in January 2027, over 225,000 adults in Minnesota could face new administrative reporting requirements to verify they are working, in school, in a work program or doing community service in order to qualify for Medicaid.
In Minnesota, this will affect certain adults ages 21 to 64 who don’t have dependent children and don’t get Medicaid based on a disability. People subject to this requirement who don’t meet administrative reporting requirements or qualify for an exemption can lose their Medicaid benefits, even if they otherwise still qualify.
Exemptions include caring for a family member with a disability, receiving substance use disorder treatment, being incarcerated or within 90 days of release from incarceration, being medically frail, and other circumstances.
Most people with Medicaid already work, many of them in unstable, part-time or seasonal jobs with low pay.
Example:
Marcus, age 37, lives in St. Paul
Work: Marcus drives for a ride-share app and sometimes picks up restaurant shifts. He gets paid cash or through apps. Documenting his work hours will be tough because he doesn’t get pay stubs.
Health: Marcus has diabetes, so meeting the requirements will be crucial to keeping his Medicaid insurance coverage for insulin. If he loses Medicaid, his health will suffer, and it will be harder for him to stay employed.
More frequent renewals
Starting in January 2027, adults ages 21 to 64 without dependent children or disabilities will also have to renew their Medicaid insurance every six months, instead of once a year. Having to renew eligibility more frequently leads to more people losing coverage if they miss important mail or don’t respond in time – even though they may still qualify for Medicaid.
What can I do now?
- Stay informed by visiting the federal changes page.
- Don’t wait. Enroll in Medical Assistance (Minnesota’s Medicaid program) now if you qualify. Contact a navigator today.
- Keep your contact information up to date so you don’t miss important time-sensitive materials.
- Renew Medical Assistance on time so you don’t lose your insurance. Look up your renewal date.
- If you’re currently enrolled and your renewal is current, there’s nothing else you need to do right now.
- Share your story about Medicaid by visiting the Faces of Medicaid page.
MORE SPONSORED CONTENT BY MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Help spread the word about MinnesotaCare
MinnesotaCare may be an option for people in your community – including for you and your family.
MinnesotaCare is lower-cost health insurance. You may be eligible for MinnesotaCare if you live in Minnesota, meet the income limits and don’t have affordable health insurance.
If you’re 65 or older and can’t get Medicare, you may be eligible for MinnesotaCare.
Help people you know in your community learn more about MinnesotaCare with the new videos you see here and at the bottom of this story. They are available in several languages including Spanish, Somali and Oromo.
MinnesotaCare offers comprehensive coverage. Benefits include immunizations, regular checkups, dental and vision services, mental health care, substance use disorder treatment, emergency care and more.
Some people who have MinnesotaCare pay a monthly premium based on their income, while others have no premium. Some people 21 and older who have MinnesotaCare pay cost-sharing, or copayments. Depending on your income, MinnesotaCare may be free.
Find more information about MinnesotaCare here.
You can enroll in MinnesotaCare year-round. Find out if you qualify anytime. Enrollment is always open, and there is no deadline to apply.
And there’s more good news: You don’t have to figure out how to apply on your own. Free help is available from a navigator near you.
Navigators speak your language, live in your community and help you find health insurance. They provide free assistance and can help you submit your application.
To find a navigator near you who speaks your language, use the Assister Directory at MNsure.
MinnesotaCare is designed to help people get the health care coverage they need.
Having health insurance is an important step you can take to keep yourself and your family healthy. Health insurance helps pay for medical appointments and medications, and it makes it much easier to get the health care you and your family need.
Health insurance also protects you financially if you get sick or have an accident. Without health insurance, you could be facing big medical bills that can turn into a financial crisis.
Your health and well-being matter. So do the health and well-being of your family and community.
Don’t wait! Find out today if MinnesotaCare is the right option for you and your family. And spread the word about MinnesotaCare in your community.
MORE SPONSORED CONTENT BY MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
What health insurance can do for you and your family
What helps you stay healthy, prevent illnesses and manage chronic conditions? Getting regular health care.
What makes it much easier to get regular health care? Having health insurance.
Health insurance can connect you and your family to benefits including wellness check-ups, prescriptions and medications, immunizations and vaccines, emergency care and much more. For children, preventive health care can have a lifelong effect on their health and well-being.
Health insurance can also give you peace of mind. You know you can get care when you need it, and you won’t face unexpected costs. A medical crisis doesn’t have to turn into a financial crisis for you and your loved ones.
You and your family members may be eligible for free or low-cost health insurance. You can apply for Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare anytime. Year-round.
Visit MNsure to learn more and connect with community navigators who speak your language. They can help you get or renew health insurance, and their services are free.
Medical Assistance is for people who have low incomes. Sometimes people call it “MA,” and it’s the Medicaid program in Minnesota.
Did you know that people who have Medical Assistance don’t have to pay any copayments or monthly premiums? There is no cost-sharing for Medical Assistance.
MinnesotaCare is for people who don’t qualify for Medical Assistance and don’t have access to affordable health insurance. To qualify for MinnesotaCare, a single person can earn up to about $30,000 a year, and a family of four can have an annual income of up to about $62,000.
More people than ever are eligible. No matter your immigration status, see if you are eligible for MinnesotaCare today.
People who have MinnesotaCare may pay a monthly premium based on their income. Some people have low monthly premiums, and others don’t have premiums. Some people who are 21 years or older pay copayments.
Both programs offer comprehensive coverage – including dental, vision and behavioral health services, and translation and interpreter services.
Benefits also include family planning, pregnancy care (including doula care), well child visits, individualized education plans in schools (IEPs) and Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI), mental health care and substance use care.
Transportation assistance is also available to help you get to your appointments.
Find more information about MinnesotaCare and Medical Assistance.
Don’t lose your insurance! How to renew
If you sign up for Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare, you will have a “renewal” each year.
A renewal is when we check to see if you and your family members still qualify for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare.
If you have Medical Assistance, your renewal will be in the same month that you first signed up. If you have MinnesotaCare, your renewal will happen in the fall.
Don’t lose your insurance!
- Make sure your contact information for your insurance is up to date.
- Look up your renewal date.
- And watch your mail for an envelope with a circle in blue. That’s your renewal paperwork. When you see the circle in blue, it’s time to renew!
- Fill out and return your renewal forms to keep your insurance.
Find more information about renewals.
Find free help from a community navigator who speaks your language.
And remember that keeping your health insurance makes it easier to get health care.
What helps you stay healthy, prevent illnesses and manage chronic conditions? Getting regular health care. What makes it much easier to get regular health care? Having health insurance. Health insurance can connect you and your family to benefits including wellness check-ups, prescriptions and medications, immunizations and vaccines, emergency care and much more. For children, preventive […]
MinnesotaCare may be an option for people in your community – including for you and your family. MinnesotaCare is lower-cost health insurance. You may be eligible for MinnesotaCare if you live in Minnesota, meet the income limits and don’t have affordable health insurance. If you’re 65 or older and can’t get Medicare, you may be […]
What health insurance can do for you and your family
What helps you stay healthy, prevent illnesses and manage chronic conditions? Getting regular health care.
What makes it much easier to get regular health care? Having health insurance.
Health insurance can connect you and your family to benefits including wellness check-ups, prescriptions and medications, immunizations and vaccines, emergency care and much more. For children, preventive health care can have a lifelong effect on their health and well-being.
Health insurance can also give you peace of mind. You know you can get care when you need it, and you won’t face unexpected costs. A medical crisis doesn’t have to turn into a financial crisis for you and your loved ones.
You and your family members may be eligible for free or low-cost health insurance. You can apply for Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare anytime. Year-round.
Visit MNsure to learn more and connect with community navigators who speak your language. They can help you get or renew health insurance, and their services are free.
Medical Assistance is for people who have low incomes. Sometimes people call it “MA,” and it’s the Medicaid program in Minnesota.
Did you know that people who have Medical Assistance don’t have to pay any copayments or monthly premiums? There is no cost-sharing for Medical Assistance.
MinnesotaCare is for people who don’t qualify for Medical Assistance and don’t have access to affordable health insurance. To qualify for MinnesotaCare, a single person can earn up to about $30,000 a year, and a family of four can have an annual income of up to about $62,000.
More people than ever are eligible. No matter your immigration status, see if you are eligible for MinnesotaCare today.
People who have MinnesotaCare may pay a monthly premium based on their income. Some people have low monthly premiums, and others don’t have premiums. Some people who are 21 years or older pay copayments.
Both programs offer comprehensive coverage – including dental, vision and behavioral health services, and translation and interpreter services.
Benefits also include family planning, pregnancy care (including doula care), well child visits, individualized education plans in schools (IEPs) and Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI), mental health care and substance use care.
Transportation assistance is also available to help you get to your appointments.
Find more information about MinnesotaCare and Medical Assistance.
Don’t lose your insurance! How to renew
If you sign up for Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare, you will have a “renewal” each year.
A renewal is when we check to see if you and your family members still qualify for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare.
If you have Medical Assistance, your renewal will be in the same month that you first signed up. If you have MinnesotaCare, your renewal will happen in the fall.
Don’t lose your insurance!
- Make sure your contact information for your insurance is up to date.
- Look up your renewal date.
- And watch your mail for an envelope with a circle in blue. That’s your renewal paperwork. When you see the circle in blue, it’s time to renew!
- Fill out and return your renewal forms to keep your insurance.
Find more information about renewals.
Find free help from a community navigator who speaks your language.
And remember that keeping your health insurance makes it easier to get health care.
What helps you stay healthy, prevent illnesses and manage chronic conditions? Getting regular health care. What makes it much easier to get regular health care? Having health insurance. Health insurance can connect you and your family to benefits including wellness check-ups, prescriptions and medications, immunizations and vaccines, emergency care and much more. For children, preventive […]
Federal changes coming next year will make it harder for some people to get and keep Medicaid health insurance. You may know Medicaid as Medical Assistance, which is what it’s often called in Minnesota. To protect your health and the health of your family and community, visit the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ federal changes […]
Help spread the word about MinnesotaCare
MinnesotaCare may be an option for people in your community – including for you and your family.
MinnesotaCare is lower-cost health insurance. You may be eligible for MinnesotaCare if you live in Minnesota, meet the income limits and don’t have affordable health insurance.
If you’re 65 or older and can’t get Medicare, you may be eligible for MinnesotaCare.
Help people you know in your community learn more about MinnesotaCare with the new videos you see here and at the bottom of this story. They are available in several languages including Spanish, Somali and Oromo.
MinnesotaCare offers comprehensive coverage. Benefits include immunizations, regular checkups, dental and vision services, mental health care, substance use disorder treatment, emergency care and more.
Some people who have MinnesotaCare pay a monthly premium based on their income, while others have no premium. Some people 21 and older who have MinnesotaCare pay cost-sharing, or copayments. Depending on your income, MinnesotaCare may be free.
Find more information about MinnesotaCare here.
You can enroll in MinnesotaCare year-round. Find out if you qualify anytime. Enrollment is always open, and there is no deadline to apply.
And there’s more good news: You don’t have to figure out how to apply on your own. Free help is available from a navigator near you.
Navigators speak your language, live in your community and help you find health insurance. They provide free assistance and can help you submit your application.
To find a navigator near you who speaks your language, use the Assister Directory at MNsure.
MinnesotaCare is designed to help people get the health care coverage they need.
Having health insurance is an important step you can take to keep yourself and your family healthy. Health insurance helps pay for medical appointments and medications, and it makes it much easier to get the health care you and your family need.
Health insurance also protects you financially if you get sick or have an accident. Without health insurance, you could be facing big medical bills that can turn into a financial crisis.
Your health and well-being matter. So do the health and well-being of your family and community.
Don’t wait! Find out today if MinnesotaCare is the right option for you and your family. And spread the word about MinnesotaCare in your community.
MinnesotaCare may be an option for people in your community – including for you and your family. MinnesotaCare is lower-cost health insurance. You may be eligible for MinnesotaCare if you live in Minnesota, meet the income limits and don’t have affordable health insurance. If you’re 65 or older and can’t get Medicare, you may be […]
What health insurance can do for you and your family
What helps you stay healthy, prevent illnesses and manage chronic conditions? Getting regular health care.
What makes it much easier to get regular health care? Having health insurance.
Health insurance can connect you and your family to benefits including wellness check-ups, prescriptions and medications, immunizations and vaccines, emergency care and much more. For children, preventive health care can have a lifelong effect on their health and well-being.
Health insurance can also give you peace of mind. You know you can get care when you need it, and you won’t face unexpected costs. A medical crisis doesn’t have to turn into a financial crisis for you and your loved ones.
You and your family members may be eligible for free or low-cost health insurance. You can apply for Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare anytime. Year-round.
Visit MNsure to learn more and connect with community navigators who speak your language. They can help you get or renew health insurance, and their services are free.
Medical Assistance is for people who have low incomes. Sometimes people call it “MA,” and it’s the Medicaid program in Minnesota.
Did you know that people who have Medical Assistance don’t have to pay any copayments or monthly premiums? There is no cost-sharing for Medical Assistance.
MinnesotaCare is for people who don’t qualify for Medical Assistance and don’t have access to affordable health insurance. To qualify for MinnesotaCare, a single person can earn up to about $30,000 a year, and a family of four can have an annual income of up to about $62,000.
More people than ever are eligible. No matter your immigration status, see if you are eligible for MinnesotaCare today.
People who have MinnesotaCare may pay a monthly premium based on their income. Some people have low monthly premiums, and others don’t have premiums. Some people who are 21 years or older pay copayments.
Both programs offer comprehensive coverage – including dental, vision and behavioral health services, and translation and interpreter services.
Benefits also include family planning, pregnancy care (including doula care), well child visits, individualized education plans in schools (IEPs) and Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI), mental health care and substance use care.
Transportation assistance is also available to help you get to your appointments.
Find more information about MinnesotaCare and Medical Assistance.
Don’t lose your insurance! How to renew
If you sign up for Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare, you will have a “renewal” each year.
A renewal is when we check to see if you and your family members still qualify for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare.
If you have Medical Assistance, your renewal will be in the same month that you first signed up. If you have MinnesotaCare, your renewal will happen in the fall.
Don’t lose your insurance!
- Make sure your contact information for your insurance is up to date.
- Look up your renewal date.
- And watch your mail for an envelope with a circle in blue. That’s your renewal paperwork. When you see the circle in blue, it’s time to renew!
- Fill out and return your renewal forms to keep your insurance.
Find more information about renewals.
Find free help from a community navigator who speaks your language.
And remember that keeping your health insurance makes it easier to get health care.
What helps you stay healthy, prevent illnesses and manage chronic conditions? Getting regular health care. What makes it much easier to get regular health care? Having health insurance. Health insurance can connect you and your family to benefits including wellness check-ups, prescriptions and medications, immunizations and vaccines, emergency care and much more. For children, preventive […]
Federal changes are coming to Medicaid – the backbone of the health care system. The changes will make it harder for some people to get and keep health insurance. Some changes will affect certain immigrants starting in October 2026. Other changes beginning in January 2027 will affect adults ages 21 to 64 who don’t have […]
Prepare now for changes coming to Medicaid next year
Federal changes coming next year will make it harder for some people to get and keep Medicaid health insurance.
You may know Medicaid as Medical Assistance, which is what it’s often called in Minnesota.
To protect your health and the health of your family and community, visit the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ federal changes website to learn the facts. And don’t wait for a medical emergency – connect with a navigator to find out if you qualify for Medical Assistance, and sign up today.
Here’s what you need to know about the changes coming in 2026 and 2027.
Eligibility changes affecting some immigrants
Starting on Oct. 1, 2026, some immigrants will no longer qualify for Medicaid because of the federal changes. Immigrants who will no longer be able to get Medicaid include:
- Refugees
- People with humanitarian parole
- People who have been granted asylum
- Some abused spouses and children
- Victims of human trafficking
- Others with humanitarian protection
Medicaid will still be available to some lawful permanent residents, as well as people from Cuba and Haiti and migrants under the Compact of Free Association (COFA).
Families may experience higher medical bills when these changes take effect.
Shorter periods of retroactive coverage
For the past 53 years – since 1972 – Medicaid has provided retroactive coverage going back up to three months from when you apply. If you end up in the hospital or have a health crisis, you’ve still got time to complete the paperwork and get insured. Having insurance helps you avoid medical debt.
But starting in January 2027, it will become harder to get Medicaid to pay bills for care you received before you apply. That’s because the federal government will shorten the periods for this retroactive coverage – down to one month for adults without dependent children who don’t get Medicaid based on a disability, and two months for children, adults 65 and older, and everyone else.
Shorter retroactive coverage can hurt anyone who qualifies for Medicaid but isn’t signed up yet – especially people who have a medical emergency, find out they have a health condition, experience a mental health issue or get sick.
Example:
Maria, age 54, White Earth Nation member, lives in Mahnomen.
Health issue: Maria is diabetic and ends up in the hospital for diabetic ketoacidosis in December 2026. She finally feels better and applies for Medicaid in March 2027 with help from a friend.
Retroactive coverage: Before the federal changes, Medicaid would have covered Maria’s hospitalization. But since the federal changes took effect in January 2027, Medicaid won’t pay for her hospital stay. Maria is left with a $38,000 bill, which she can’t pay. It hurts her credit and her health because now she avoids follow-up visits out of fear of debt collectors.
Many more people like Maria will end up with medical bills they can’t pay. That’s why it’s so important to find out if you qualify for Medical Assistance and enroll now, before you need it.
Work reporting requirements
Starting in January 2027, over 225,000 adults in Minnesota could face new administrative reporting requirements to verify they are working, in school, in a work program or doing community service in order to qualify for Medicaid.
In Minnesota, this will affect certain adults ages 21 to 64 who don’t have dependent children and don’t get Medicaid based on a disability. People subject to this requirement who don’t meet administrative reporting requirements or qualify for an exemption can lose their Medicaid benefits, even if they otherwise still qualify.
Exemptions include caring for a family member with a disability, receiving substance use disorder treatment, being incarcerated or within 90 days of release from incarceration, being medically frail, and other circumstances.
Most people with Medicaid already work, many of them in unstable, part-time or seasonal jobs with low pay.
Example:
Marcus, age 37, lives in St. Paul
Work: Marcus drives for a ride-share app and sometimes picks up restaurant shifts. He gets paid cash or through apps. Documenting his work hours will be tough because he doesn’t get pay stubs.
Health: Marcus has diabetes, so meeting the requirements will be crucial to keeping his Medicaid insurance coverage for insulin. If he loses Medicaid, his health will suffer, and it will be harder for him to stay employed.
More frequent renewals
Starting in January 2027, adults ages 21 to 64 without dependent children or disabilities will also have to renew their Medicaid insurance every six months, instead of once a year. Having to renew eligibility more frequently leads to more people losing coverage if they miss important mail or don’t respond in time – even though they may still qualify for Medicaid.
What can I do now?
- Stay informed by visiting the federal changes page.
- Don’t wait. Enroll in Medical Assistance (Minnesota’s Medicaid program) now if you qualify. Contact a navigator today.
- Keep your contact information up to date so you don’t miss important time-sensitive materials.
- Renew Medical Assistance on time so you don’t lose your insurance. Look up your renewal date.
- If you’re currently enrolled and your renewal is current, there’s nothing else you need to do right now.
- Share your story about Medicaid by visiting the Faces of Medicaid page.
Federal changes coming next year will make it harder for some people to get and keep Medicaid health insurance. You may know Medicaid as Medical Assistance, which is what it’s often called in Minnesota. To protect your health and the health of your family and community, visit the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ federal changes […]
Help spread the word about MinnesotaCare
MinnesotaCare may be an option for people in your community – including for you and your family.
MinnesotaCare is lower-cost health insurance. You may be eligible for MinnesotaCare if you live in Minnesota, meet the income limits and don’t have affordable health insurance.
If you’re 65 or older and can’t get Medicare, you may be eligible for MinnesotaCare.
Help people you know in your community learn more about MinnesotaCare with the new videos you see here and at the bottom of this story. They are available in several languages including Spanish, Somali and Oromo.
MinnesotaCare offers comprehensive coverage. Benefits include immunizations, regular checkups, dental and vision services, mental health care, substance use disorder treatment, emergency care and more.
Some people who have MinnesotaCare pay a monthly premium based on their income, while others have no premium. Some people 21 and older who have MinnesotaCare pay cost-sharing, or copayments. Depending on your income, MinnesotaCare may be free.
Find more information about MinnesotaCare here.
You can enroll in MinnesotaCare year-round. Find out if you qualify anytime. Enrollment is always open, and there is no deadline to apply.
And there’s more good news: You don’t have to figure out how to apply on your own. Free help is available from a navigator near you.
Navigators speak your language, live in your community and help you find health insurance. They provide free assistance and can help you submit your application.
To find a navigator near you who speaks your language, use the Assister Directory at MNsure.
MinnesotaCare is designed to help people get the health care coverage they need.
Having health insurance is an important step you can take to keep yourself and your family healthy. Health insurance helps pay for medical appointments and medications, and it makes it much easier to get the health care you and your family need.
Health insurance also protects you financially if you get sick or have an accident. Without health insurance, you could be facing big medical bills that can turn into a financial crisis.
Your health and well-being matter. So do the health and well-being of your family and community.
Don’t wait! Find out today if MinnesotaCare is the right option for you and your family. And spread the word about MinnesotaCare in your community.
MinnesotaCare may be an option for people in your community – including for you and your family. MinnesotaCare is lower-cost health insurance. You may be eligible for MinnesotaCare if you live in Minnesota, meet the income limits and don’t have affordable health insurance. If you’re 65 or older and can’t get Medicare, you may be […]
Federal changes are coming to Medicaid – the backbone of the health care system. The changes will make it harder for some people to get and keep health insurance. Some changes will affect certain immigrants starting in October 2026. Other changes beginning in January 2027 will affect adults ages 21 to 64 who don’t have [...]
