All three of Minnesota's Medicaid health programs provide coverage for hospital services.
Like residents of all U.S. states, Minnesota residents have access to government-funded medical care under the Medicaid program. The State of Minnesota uses federal funding in combination with state funding and taxes on medical providers to provide care to the elderly, residents with low incomes and those with disabilities. Minnesota divides its Medicaid program into three parts: Medical Assistance, Minnesota Care and General Assistance Medical Care.
Medical Assistance
Minnesota's Medicaid program is known as Medical Assistance, or MA. The program insures more than 600,000 Minnesota residents at any given time. Qualification guidelines vary depending on the individual to be covered. For example, the income limit for families with children under age two is a liberal 280 percent of the federal poverty limits, while adults must make 100 percent or less of the federal poverty line to qualify. Medical Assistance covers a broad range of medical services, including physician visits, diagnostic testing, emergency care, hospital inpatient and outpatient care, home health assistance, prescription drugs, and dental, chiropractic and vision care. The program also provides benefits for those living in permanent nursing facilities, including hospices and nursing homes.
Minnesota Care
Minnesota Care is a branch of Medicaid that is funded by both federal Medicaid funding and a tax on state health care providers. The program covers approximately 100,000 people, but requires enrolled citizens to pay a monthly premium determined by their income. To gain coverage, applicants must have household incomes at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty limits, or 275 percent if the applicant is pregnant or has children. Children and pregnant women receive the broadest range of coverage available under Minnesota Care, with no inpatient hospital limits and little-to-no cost-sharing responsibilities. Others enrolled in the program may experience annual caps on coverage, as well as co-pays of $6 to $25 and inpatient hospital co-insurance of up to 10 percent, not to exceed $1,000 in out-of-pocket costs.
General Assistance Medical Care
General Assistance Medical Care, or GAMC, is available to applicants between ages 21 and 64 with no dependent children and who do not qualify for Medical Assistance. GAMC provides coverage for inpatient and outpatient hospital services, emergency care, office visits and prescription drugs. The program also pays for county alcohol and drug addiction treatments and mental health services. Patients enrolled in GAMC do not pay a co-pay or deductible for emergency care, but must pay a $25 co-pay for non-emergency visits to a hospital emergency room. Co-pays for most prescription drugs are between $1 and $3.
Eligibility
To qualify for MA, Minnesota Care or GAMC, applicants must meet certain income and asset limits. The Minnesota Department of Human Services determines income qualification levels by the number of people in a household, as well as the ages and health conditions of those applying. Minnesota extends health care coverage not only to low-income households, but also to individuals with disabilities and to seniors over age 65 who need assistance paying Medicare costs.
Apply
To apply for a Minnesota health care program such as Minnesota Care or MA, download and print an application from the Minnesota Department of Human Services. You can also request an application be mailed to you by calling the department directly at 800-657-3672. Send the application to your county human services office, the address of which is listed on the health care application. Include with your application proof of U.S. citizenship, proof of Minnesota residency, recent pay stubs, recent tax returns, bank account information and an inventory of your assets.
