Health care coverage
For people aged 65 or older
The following information describes eligibility requirements for Medical Assistance for people who are age 65 or older. It does not cover all program rules.
Apply to see if you qualifyMedical AssistanceHow much does coverage cost?
If you are over the income limit, you may have to pay a spenddown.
SpenddownsWhen can my coverage start?
Coverage may:
- Begin the first day of the month that we get your application
- Go back three months from the month we get your application
Call your county or Tribal office if you have questions about when coverage can start.
What is the income limit?
The income limit and whose income is counted depends on who lives with you.
If your income is too high for Medical Assistance, you may be eligible for a spenddown. A spenddown is like an insurance deductible. You pay for part of your medical expenses and Medical Assistance pays the rest.
Income limits SpenddownsCan I get coverage if I have a house or car?
Yes, usually the home you live in and a car are not counted toward the asset limit.
Asset limitsCan I get coverage if I have savings, a retirement account or other assets?
Yes, but there is an asset limit. Retirement accounts may be considered differently than other assets.
Asset limitsWhat is the Asset Verification Service?
The Asset Verification Service is a secure database that we use to electronically verify financial accounts that may be counted as assets for certain applicants and enrollees. Adults who are age 65 or older, Blind or who have a disability must authorize use of the Asset Verification Service (AVS) to be eligible for Medical Assistance, including Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities, or the Medicare Savings Programs.
[AVS] Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities [Medicare Savings Programs]If I get coverage, will you put a lien on my house?
For people 55 years old or older, Minnesota must recover health care costs paid for members from the member's estate. Minnesota recovers payments for all Medical Assistance services provided to people 55 years old or older.
Minnesota will seek recovery against individuals of any age if the person was:
- Permanently living in an institution
- Receiving Medical Assistance payments for long-term-care services
Minnesota will also seek recovery against individuals as state and federal law allows.
Most of the time, Medical Assistance services do not have to be paid back until after the member dies and only when there is not a surviving spouse, a child under 21 or a child who has a permanently disability. A claim may be made in the estate of the spouse of the Medical Assistance member if the member is deceased.
The state may file an Medical Assistance lien against real property to recover costs before death, but only for people that are permanently living in an institution. The state may also file a Notice of Potential Claim, a form of lien, against real property after the member dies.
What if I have Medicare or other health insurance?
You may still get coverage. You must tell us if you:
- Have other health insurance
- Sometimes we can help pay the cost of your Medicare or other insurance so you can keep that coverage.
- Could be covered under someone else's insurance
- Could get coverage through an employer or military service