Understanding MinnesotaCare insurance
MinnesotaCare is a publicly sponsored health insurance program. It provides health insurance to working families who lack access to affordable coverage and don't qualify for Medicaid. MinnesotaCare program generally relies on state-funded assistance to cover more Minnesotans, but receives some federal funding. The program serves approximately 107,000 adults and children in Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) administers the program. It's also responsible for determining eligibility for the program--a function it also shares with county human services agencies for some enrollees. In addition, certain counties also have elected to manage MinnesotaCare cases for enrollees in their communities.
Income Qualifications
To be eligible for MinnesotaCare, you must be a resident of Minnesota, lack access to health coverage and meet specific income requirements. Income limits for adults with children can't exceed 275 percent of the federal poverty level, and adults without children can't go above 250 percent of the federal poverty level as of 2010. Currently, the income for parents, legal guardians, foster parents and relative caretakers can't exceed $50,000. Assuming federal approval is granted, the annual income gap is set to increase to $57,500 on July 1, 2010.
Asset Limits
Enrollees of MinnesotaCare also must meet other requirements before they're eligible for coverage. For instance, individuals can have no more than $10,000 in total net assets, and a family of two or more can't have more than $20,000 in total net assets to qualify. Only expectant mothers and children are excused from the asset limit.
Lack of Access to Employer-Sponsored Coverage
Enrollees also must not have access to an employer-sponsored health insurance plan that pays 50 percent or more toward their employees' coverage. Workers also must be without employer-sponsored coverage for at least 18 months before they're permitted to apply or reapply for MinnesotaCare benefits. Only, in certain cases, are children excluded from this requirement. Enrollees must also not be covered through any other plan or program for a minimum of four months before applying or renewing enrollment.
Benefits
Enrollees are entitled to different benefits depending on who they are. For example, pregnant women and children up to age 21 are eligible for a comprehensive set of benefits and don't have to pay co-pays for services. While the benefits for parents and childless adults cover most services, this group must a pay co-payment to receive them.
Program Funding
Federal and state dollars are used to fund MinnesotaCare. In addition, plan enrollees also pay a premium to participate. The premium rate is determined using a sliding payment scale, which takes family size and income into consideration. On average, the monthly premium for adults is about $18 and some children are covered for $4 a month. A 1.5 percent tax is also levied on hospitals and other health providers, which also goes toward the cost of MinnesotaCare.
