Apply for health care

People who are noncitizens

This page provides basic application information about Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare for Minnesota residents who are not U.S. citizens. There are a few programs you may be eligible for depending on your immigration status and who lives in your household.

It does not cover all program rules.

How to apply for coverage for:

Adults Children and families People with disabilities or who are Blind People aged 65 and older

Ways you can apply

You can choose one of these ways to apply depending on what is easiest for you and your family.

Do not speak English?

The paper application is also available in the following languages:

Afaan Oromoo Español Hmoob Русский Soomaali Tiếng Việt

Online

You will need to create an account if you do not already have one.

Note: If you are a DACA grantee you cannot apply online

Apply online [Link to METS login page]

Mail, fax or in person

Complete the Application for Health Coverage and Help Paying Costs and send it to your local service agency by mail or fax or drop it off in person.

Download the application (PDF) Find your local service agency

Over the phone

Call your local service agency and let them know you wish to complete an application over the phone.

Find your local service agency

Prepare to apply

You will need to gather certain documents depending on which potential program you may be eligible for:

Medical Assistance

Not all noncitizens will qualify for Medical Assistance. Only qualified noncitizens are eligible for this program. Use the list below to help you gather what you may need to apply. Your worker will attempt to verify this information using our data sources, but if they are unable to verify any of these items, paper proof may be required.

  • Living in Minnesota
  • Social Security number for each person applying
  • Date of birth for everyone in household (not just those applying)
  • Driver's license, Tribal ID or other ID
  • For non-citizens, Green Card or other immigration documents
  • Documents for other sources of income for each person applying
  • Information about any employer-sponsored health insurance available to each person applying (they don't have to be enrolled in it)
  • If you currently have health insurance, know whether it meets minimum essential coverage affordability standard. If the health insurance is through an employer, have them fill out [this form (PDF)]
Learn more about Medical Assistance

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

MinnesotaCare coverage can be provided to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) grantees who meet requirements. This deferred action is for a period of two years and is subject to renewal. Use the list below to help you gather what you may need to apply. Your worker will attempt to verify this information using our data sources, but if they are unable to verify any of these items, paper proof may be required.

  • Live in Minnesota
  • Do not have other health care coverage
  • Documents for other sources of income for each person applying
  • Under the age of 31
  • Arrived in US before they turned 16
  • Currently in school or have graduated from high school
  • Have not been convicted of a felony
Learn more about coverage for DACA grantees

Emergency Medical Assistance (EMA)

Your immigration status and Social Security Number are NOT required to be verified for this program. Use the list below to help you gather what you may need to apply. Your worker will attempt to verify this information using our data sources, but if they are unable to verify any of these items, paper proof may be required:

  • For non-citizens, Green Card or other immigration documents
  • Live in Minnesota
  • Social Security Number
  • Documents for sources of income for each person applying
  • Documents for sources of assets for each person applying who is over 65, blind or disabled
Learn more about EMA

Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA)

If you are a Refugee and were found ineligible for Medical Assistance, you may be eligible for a special program called Refugee Medical Assistance. Use the list below to help you gather what you may need to apply. Your worker will attempt to verify this information using our data sources, but if they are unable to verify any of these items, paper proof may be required.

  • Lives in Minnesota
  • Documents for sources of income for each person applying
  • Documents for sources of assets for each person applying who is over 65, blind or disabled.
  • Found ineligible for Medical Assistance
  • Name of resettlement agency
  • Not a full-time student in college or tech school

Who to include

The following people should be included in your application:

  • You (only if you have a medical emergency for EMA program)
  • Your husband or wife
  • Your children under 21 who live with you
  • Your spouse’s children under 21 who live with you
  • Any unborn children you or your spouse are carrying
  • Any Authorized Representative who is helping you make decisions, and you want to apply on your behalf

Who NOT to include

Depending on which program you’re looking to apply for, the following people should not be considered in your household when applying for coverage:

Medical Assistance or Refugee Medical Assistance

  • People who are undocumented immigrants
  • Children 19 or older who you won’t claim on your taxes
  • Your spouse’s children are 19 or older who you won’t claim on your taxes
  • A partner (not married) if you don’t have kids together and don’t file taxes together
  • Your partner’s kids, if they’re not related to you and you won’t claim them on your taxes
  • People you live with but don’t file taxes with (like roommates)
  • Your parents, if you’re 19 or older, and none of you plan to claim each other on your taxes

Emergency Medical Assistance

  • People who already have health care coverage
  • People who are not living in Minnesota
  • People who do not have a medical emergency