Health care coverage for people who are noncitizens

If you are a noncitizen, the health coverage you can get depends on your immigration status and the date you came to the United States.

• Some women may only get coverage while they are pregnant.
• Some people may only get coverage for a health care emergency.
• Some people may get full coverage.

If you have an immigration status and are applying for health coverage, you may have to provide proof of your immigration status. We will try to help if you need help getting proof. You do not have to give us proof of your status if you are:

• Applying for your children or other family members but not yourself (we may need proof of status for children or others applying)
• Only helping someone else apply.

No, we only use your information to see if you can get health coverage.

Yes, you may get health coverage for an emergency medical condition. A noncitizen may have a temporary immigration status or no valid status at all and may qualify for Emergency Medical Assistance (EMA). You must also meet other program rules, including but not limited to income limits and state residency.

Emergency care usually just covers hospital care but may include doctor visits, prescriptions, mental health care and other needed services. Your doctor may need to give us more information for you to get this coverage.

Adults and children have different income limits. The income limit and whose income is counted depend on your age, family size, pregnancy or disability status and whether you have a sponsor.

Children and most adults under 65 do not have a limit on the value of items they own when deciding if they qualify.

People age 65 and older, people who have a disability and people who are blind have an asset limit. The home you live in and a car are usually not counted toward the asset limit. Assets are items like cars, checking and savings accounts, your home and financial investments.

If you have a sponsor, we may need to count their income and assets. If the sponsor is married, we may also count their spouse's income and assets.

You may have to pay a monthly premium if you are eligible for MinnesotaCare. The amount, if any, depends on your income and family size. Adults also may have copays for some services. Children and pregnant women do not pay premiums or copays.

The date coverage starts depends on which program you qualify for.

You may still qualify. You must tell us if you have other health insurance or could get coverage through an employer or military service. Sometimes we can pay the cost of the other insurance so you can keep that coverage.

You may also qualify for an advanced premium tax credit through Minnesota's health insurance marketplace, MNsure. A tax credit helps pay part or all of the health care premium for a health plan on MNsure.

Even if you do not qualify for a tax credit, you can compare options and buy affordable insurance. You cannot be denied coverage even if you have a pre-existing condition.

• County and tribal offices
• Minnesota Health Care Programs Member Help Desk
• MinnesotaCare office