Retroactive coverage

Retroactive Medical Assistance allows eligible people to have coverage up to three months before their application date, if they received services that Medical Assistance covers during that period.

Starting Jan. 1, 2027, federal law shortens how far back Medical Assistance can go to pay for services received before a person’s application month. However, the Minnesota Legislature voted to continue three months of retroactive coverage for an additional year. That means reduced retroactive coverage begins Jan. 1, 2028. Minnesota will continue three months of retroactive coverage through 2027.

When the change takes effect in 2028, retroactive Medical Assistance coverage will decrease from a maximum of three months to one month for adults ages 21 to 64 who do not have dependent children, are not pregnant and do not qualify for Medical Assistance based on a disability. For all others, retroactive coverage will decrease to two months.

Does this apply to me?

This change may affect people who apply for Medical Assistance after receiving medical care. It also increases the importance of keeping coverage active. If someone loses coverage because they miss a renewal, do not respond to a notice or have outdated contact information, they may have less retroactive coverage if they need to reapply later.