Last Updated: December 24, 2025
By Akash Biswas – Government Benefits Expert
Minnesota offers health coverage through two major public programs:
- Medical Assistance (MA) — Minnesota’s Medicaid program, typically free or very low cost.
- MinnesotaCare — A low-cost health plan for people who earn too much for Medicaid but still qualify for financial help.
These programs help pay for doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, pregnancy care, and more.
Below you’ll find the official income limits for 2025 and 2026, along with clear explanations of eligibility rules and how to apply.
What These Programs Cover
Both Medical Assistance (MA) and MinnesotaCare include:
- Doctor and specialist visits
- Hospital and emergency room care
- Prescription medications
- Mental health and substance use services
- Pregnancy care and prenatal visits
- Pediatric care (well-child visits, vaccines, check-ups)
Medical Assistance (MA) typically has no monthly premium.
MinnesotaCare may have a small monthly premium based on your income.
MA Medicaid Income Limits (2025-2026)
Minnesota uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) — a measure of annual income used for health coverage eligibility.
Here are the official income limits from the Minnesota DHS income chart for MA and MinnesotaCare for MAGI-based categories:
| Household Size | Medical Assistance (MA) | MinnesotaCare |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $20,814/year | $30,120/year |
| 2 people | $28,129/year | $40,880/year |
| 3 people | $35,444/year | $51,640/year |
| 4 people | $42,759/year | $62,400/year |
| 5 people | $50,074/year | $73,160/year |
| Each additional person | +$7,315 | +$10,760 |
These income limits are based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) and adjusted for Minnesota eligibility rules.
Medical Assistance limits are generally about 133% of FPG (with a 5% income disregard).
(Source: official Minnesota DHS income guidelines)
What the Income Limits Mean
Medical Assistance (MA)
If your income is below the MA limit for your household size, you likely qualify for free or very low-cost health coverage through Minnesota Medicaid.
MinnesotaCare
If your income is above the MA limit but at or below the MinnesotaCare limit, you may qualify for MinnesotaCare — which has low monthly premiums and good benefits.
Special Rules for Certain Groups
1. Children and Pregnant Individuals
Minnesota has higher income limits for:
- Children (ages 0–18)
- Pregnant people
These categories allow families to qualify for coverage even with incomes above the standard MA limits. For example:
- A pregnant person may qualify for full MA coverage with income up to approximately $44,289/year (for a 1-person household) based on official DHS figures.
Children’s income rules are even more generous — many families with moderate incomes qualify.
2. Seniors and People with Disabilities (MA-ABD)
If you are:
- 65 or older, or
- Blind, or
- Disabled
You qualify under a different set of rules called MA-ABD (Aged, Blind, or Disabled).
For MA-ABD:
- Income limit (2025-2026): Around $15,660/year (for one person)
- Asset limits:
- $3,000 for a single person
- $6,000 for a married couple
- Most personal belongings, your home, and one vehicle are exempt.
3. High Medical Bills / “Spend-Down”
If your income is over the limit but you have very high medical expenses, you may still qualify for MA through a program called spend-down.
It works like a deductible — once you pay a certain amount in medical bills, Medical Assistance will cover eligible services for the rest of that period.
What Else You Must Know
To qualify for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare, you must also:
✔ Live in Minnesota
✔ Be a U.S. citizen, national, or meet immigration eligibility rules
✔ Provide proof of income (pay stubs, tax forms, etc.)
How to Apply
There is no annual deadline — you can apply at any time.
Four Ways to Apply:
- Online (fastest)
Visit MNsure.org and create an account to check eligibility and apply. - By Mail
Download forms from the Minnesota DHS or MNsure website and send them in. - In Person
Go to your local county or tribal human services office for assistance. - By Phone
Call MNsure at 1-855-366-7873 for help by phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the income limit for Medical Assistance?
For 2025, a single adult (age 19–64) must earn $20,814/year or less to qualify for Medical Assistance. For a household of two, the limit is $28,129/year. These limits are based on the official DHS MAGI income guidelines.
2. How does spend-down work?
Spend-down lets you qualify for MA if your income is above the limit but you have high medical bills. You must pay your medical costs until you reach a “spend-down amount,” and then MA covers eligible care for the rest of that period.
3. Does MinnesotaCare have an asset limit?
No. MinnesotaCare considers only income, not assets or savings.
4. Can undocumented residents qualify?
MinnesotaCare may be available to certain non-citizens under state law. Eligibility varies, so applying through MNsure is the best way to find out.
5. Are there asset limits for seniors on MA?
Yes. For MA-ABD, there are asset limits: $3,000 for a single person and $6,000 for a couple. Some assets, like your home and one vehicle, may not count.
6. Can I keep my doctor with MA or MinnesotaCare?
Often yes, but it depends on the health plan you choose. Many plans accept a wide range of clinics and hospitals in Minnesota.
Conclusion — Take the Next Step
Understanding the 2025-2026 Minnesota Medicaid income limits is the first step toward getting the health care you need.
Whether you qualify for $0 premium Medical Assistance or low-cost MinnesotaCare, public coverage can help you stay healthy and access essential care.
👉 Visit MNsure.org today to begin your application or find free help from a local navigator.
Staying covered means staying healthy — and Minnesota offers strong support for individuals and families.
