MinnesotaCare eligibility for DACA grantees

On June 15, 2012, the secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security (USDHS) announced that certain noncitizens who came to the United States as children and meet several criteria may receive deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal. They are also eligible for work authorization. Deferred action is a use of prosecutorial discretion by the USDHS to defer removal action against a person for a certain period of time.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) grantees have met the following criteria:

• Under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012
• Came to the United States before reaching their sixteenth birthday
• Continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007
• Physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of consideration of deferred action
• Had no lawful immigration status on June 15, 2012
• Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States
• Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or multiple misdemeanor offenses, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety

Yes. Like any other applicant, to be eligible for MinnesotaCare, a DACA grantee must meet the following requirements:

• Be a resident of Minnesota
• Have income within the program income limits
• Cannot already have access to certain types of health insurance
• Meet other program requirements

To apply for MinnesotaCare, complete the Application for Health Coverage and Help Paying Costs (DHS-6696). 

Under the question that asks for immigration status, write code “N.” Also answer other questions in this section of the application relevant to your DACA status.

Before submitting the completed paper application, write “DACA” at the top of the application cover.

Note: Do not apply online at MNsure.org. Online applications will not result in eligibility for MinnesotaCare.

Submit the application in any of the following three ways:

• Mail the application to this address:
      Minnesota Department of Human Services
      PO Box 64839
      St. Paul, MN 55164-0839
• Fax the application to 651-431-7579.
• Bring the application to your county or tribal human services agency or a certified assister, or to the Department of Human Services at 540 Cedar Street, St. Paul. The county or tribal agency or certified assister will forward the application to DHS for processing.

You may need to provide proof of your income or DACA status or other information so we can make sure you qualify for MinnesotaCare. If you need to send in proof, we will send you a letter asking for it.

No. DACA grantees will receive MinnesotaCare benefits through fee-for-service coverage. Fee-for-service is a method of payment in which the medical provider bills MHCP for specific, individual services. People with fee-for-service coverage must use a medical provider enrolled with MHCP, except in special circumstances. A directory of enrolled providers is available online.

Yes. The standard MinnesotaCare premium requirements apply. Children younger than 21 do not have to pay a premium. Premiums range from $4 to $80 per month, depending on income.