Minnesota Medicaid Income Limits in 2026

Last Updated: March 14, 2026

In Minnesota, Medicaid is called Medical Assistance (MA). It gives free or low-cost health coverage to low-income residents. Your income limit depends on your age, family size, and health status.

Understanding Minnesota Medicaid eligibility in 2026 is the first step to getting the health care you need. This guide breaks down every income limit in simple terms.

In this article, you will learn:

• What Medical Assistance (MA) is and who it covers
• 2026 MAGI-based income limits for adults, children, and pregnant women
• Income and asset limits for aged, blind, and disabled individuals
• How MinnesotaCare works for those who earn too much for MA
• What the Spend-Down program is and how it helps
• How to apply for Minnesota Medicaid in 2026

What Is Minnesota Medicaid (Medical Assistance)?

Minnesota Medicaid is a state and federal health insurance program for people with low incomes. The state calls it Medical Assistance or MA. It is run by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS).

MA pays for doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, mental health care, and more. Most people with MA pay no monthly premium. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and sometimes assets.

There are two main types of MA eligibility:

1. MAGI-Based MA — For children, parents, adults, and pregnant women
2. Non-MAGI MA (ABD) — For aged, blind, or disabled individuals

2026 MAGI-Based Medical Assistance Income Limits

MAGI stands for Modified Adjusted Gross Income. This method is used for most families and adults under age 65. There is no asset limit for MAGI-based groups. That means your savings and home value do not affect your eligibility.

The income limits below are effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. They include a standard 5% income disregard as required by federal law. These figures reflect the maximum monthly gross income allowed to qualify.

Monthly Income Limits Table by Household Size (2026)

Household Size	Adults (19–64) 138% FPG	Children (2–18) 280% FPG	Pregnant Women & Infants 283% FPG	MinnesotaCare 200% FPG
1	$1,734	$3,586	N/A	$2,609
2	$2,344	$4,846	$4,899	$3,524
3	$2,953	$6,107	$6,173	$4,439
4	$3,563	$7,367	$7,448	$5,354
5	$4,172	$8,628	$8,722	$6,269
Each Add’l	+$609	+$1,260	+$1,274	+$915

Source: MNsure 2026 Income Guidelines and Minnesota DHS

Adults Ages 19–64

Adults without children and parents/caretakers qualify under the ACA expansion. A single adult can earn up to $1,734 per month (about $20,808 per year). This is 138% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG).

If your income is above this limit but below $2,609 per month, you may qualify for MinnesotaCare instead.

Children Ages 2–18

Minnesota offers very generous income limits for children. A family of two can earn up to $4,846 per month and still get free coverage for a child. This is one of the highest income thresholds in the country.

Children ages 2–18 qualify at up to 280% of the FPG. This makes it easier for working families to get coverage for their kids.

Infants Under Age 2

Infants (ages 0–2) have slightly higher income limits than older children. They qualify at 283% FPG, which is a few dollars more per month. This helps ensure newborns and babies stay covered longer.

For a family of two, the infant income limit is approximately $4,899 per month. Check with MNsure for the exact amount based on your household.

Pregnant Women

Pregnant women are counted as two people in the household for MA eligibility. This automatically raises the income limit. For a single pregnant woman, the household size is counted as 2 (or more for multiples).

Coverage for pregnant women includes full prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. Income limits are set at 283% FPG — the same as for infants.

Medical Assistance for Aged, Blind, or Disabled (MA-ABD)

MA-ABD covers people who are 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability. This category uses different rules than MAGI-based MA. It includes both an income limit and an asset limit.

These limits are also effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. If you are applying due to a disability, you should also review the Medicaid Fee Schedule 2026 to understand covered services and provider reimbursement rates.

MA-ABD Monthly Income Limits (2026)

Household Type	Monthly Income Limit
Individual	$1,305
Couple	$1,764

Source: Minnesota DHS, ABD Income Guidelines (July 2025 – June 2026)

MA-ABD Asset Limits (2026)

Assets are things you own that can be turned into cash. For MA-ABD, there is a strict asset limit.

Household Type	Asset Limit
Individual	$3,000
Couple	$6,000

Countable assets include:

• Cash and checking/savings accounts
• Stocks, bonds, and investments
• Certificates of deposit (CDs)
• IRAs and 401(k)s (in some cases)

Non-countable (exempt) assets include:

• Your primary home (if you plan to return)
• One vehicle
• Household furnishings and personal belongings
• Irrevocable funeral trusts
• Life insurance with a face value of $1,500 or less

Nursing Home Medicaid (Long-Term Care)

Nursing Home Medicaid uses the same income limit as MA-ABD: $1,305 per month for a single person. If you are in a nursing home, you must give most of your income to the state to help pay for care. You are allowed to keep $132 per month as a personal needs allowance.

For married couples where only one spouse needs nursing home care, the at-home spouse can keep up to $162,660 in assets (Community Spouse Resource Allowance). The at-home spouse’s income is not counted toward the applicant’s eligibility.

Note: Minnesota uses a 60-month (5-year) look-back period for nursing home Medicaid applications. The state reviews all asset transfers made in the 5 years before you apply.

MinnesotaCare: Coverage for Those Above MA Limits

MinnesotaCare is a low-cost health plan for people who earn too much for MA but still need help. It is not Medicaid, but it works alongside the Medicaid program. You can compare Minnesota’s options with Medicaid income limits by state in 2026 to see how Minnesota stacks up nationally.

To qualify for MinnesotaCare in 2026, your income must be between 138% and 200% of FPG. For a single person, that means earning between $1,734 and $2,609 per month.

MinnesotaCare Key Facts (2026)

• No asset limits — savings do not affect your eligibility
• Premiums range from $0 to $80 per person per month
• People earning below 35% FPG pay $0 in premiums
• Children under 21 and American Indians pay no premiums
• You can apply year-round — no open enrollment window
• Coverage begins the first day of the month after your first premium payment

Source: Minnesota DHS MinnesotaCare Program

The Spend-Down Program: If Your Income Is Too High

Even if your income exceeds the MA limit, you may still qualify through Spend-Down. Think of it like a deductible. This program helps people who have high medical bills but earn slightly too much to qualify normally.

Here is how it works:

1. Your income is compared to a lower threshold (typically 75–81% FPG).
2. The difference between your income and that threshold is your spend-down amount.
3. You must pay medical bills equal to that spend-down amount each month.
4. Once you reach that amount, MA covers the rest of your medical costs for that period.

Example: If your income is $200 over the limit, you pay the first $200 of your monthly medical bills. After that, MA kicks in and covers the rest.

Spend-Down is especially helpful for seniors, people with disabilities, and those with chronic health conditions who have regular medical expenses.

Key Definitions You Should Know

These terms come up often in Medicaid applications. Understanding them helps you fill out forms correctly and avoid delays.

MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income)

MAGI is the income calculation method used for families, adults, children, and pregnant women. It includes:

• Taxable income (wages, self-employment, etc.)
• Tax-exempt Social Security benefits
• Tax-exempt interest income

MAGI does not count child support received, veterans’ benefits, or workers’ compensation.

Non-MAGI Income Rules

Non-MAGI rules apply to the elderly and disabled. This method may allow certain deductions for medical expenses. It also counts assets and uses different income rules than MAGI.

Household Size

Your household size includes you, your spouse, and your tax dependents. For MA purposes, a pregnant woman counts as 2 people (or more if she is expecting multiples). Getting your household size right is critical — it directly affects your income limit.

Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG)

The FPG is a federal measure of poverty used to set income limits. In 2026, the FPG for a single person is $15,650 per year (about $1,304 per month). All Medicaid income limits are set as a percentage of this number.

How to Apply for Minnesota Medicaid in 2026

Applying for Medical Assistance in Minnesota is free and straightforward. You can apply at any time — there is no enrollment window.

Ways to apply:

1. Online — Apply through MNsure at mnsure.org — fastest option
2. Online — Apply directly through mn.gov/dhs
3. In person — Visit your local county human services office
4. By mail — Send your application to: P.O. Box 64987, St. Paul, MN 55164
5. By phone — Call 1-800-657-3739 (Minnesota DHS helpline)

Documents to gather before you apply:

• Social Security number (for all household members)
• Proof of identity (driver’s license or state ID)
• Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters)
• Proof of Minnesota residency (utility bill, lease agreement)
• Proof of citizenship or immigration status
• Medical records (for disability or long-term care applications)

Processing time: Most applications are processed within 45 days. Disability-related applications may take up to 90 days. Benefits can be retroactive for up to 3 months if you were eligible during that time.

Minnesota Medicaid Benefits: What Is Covered?

Medical Assistance covers a wide range of health services. All covered services are free or low-cost for enrolled members.

MA covers:

• Doctor and specialist visits
• Hospital care (inpatient and outpatient)
• Emergency room visits
• Prescription medications
• Mental health and substance use services
• Dental care (adults and children)
• Vision care and eyeglasses
• Pregnancy and maternity care
• Preventive screenings and immunizations
• Home health and long-term care services
• Medical transportation

Note: Covered services may vary based on your health plan and county. Always confirm with your specific MA health plan.

Special Medicaid Programs in Minnesota

Minnesota offers several specialized MA programs for unique needs. Each one has its own rules and income limits.

MA for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD)

This program helps working adults with disabilities keep their Medicaid coverage even as their income grows. There is no upper income limit for MA-EPD. You must be certified disabled by the SSA or the State Medical Review Team. A monthly premium and unearned income obligation may apply.

Special Needs BasicCare (SNBC)

SNBC provides all MA benefits plus care coordination support. It is designed for adults with disabilities who need extra help accessing services. SNBC members work with a care coordinator to manage their health care.

Minnesota Senior Health Options (MSHO)

MSHO combines Medicare and Medicaid benefits into one plan for seniors. It is designed for people who qualify for both programs (called “dual eligible”). MSHO provides extra perks and benefits beyond standard MA coverage.

Official Sources and Where to Get Help

Always verify your eligibility using official sources. These resources provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Official government sources:

• 🔗 MNsure Income Guidelines (2026) — Official income tables for MA and MinnesotaCare
• 🔗 Minnesota DHS Health Care Programs — Full program details and application links
• 🔗 MNsure Application Portal — Apply online for MA, MinnesotaCare, or marketplace plans

Free help is available:

• MNsure Navigators — Free certified helpers who can guide you through the application (find one at mnsure.org/help)
• Multilingual support — Income guidelines are available in English, Hmong, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese
• Senior LinkAge Line — 1-800-333-2433 (for long-term care and nursing home applications)
• Disability Benefits 101 MN — A free tool to calculate your eligibility for disability-specific programs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Summary: Minnesota Medicaid Income Limits at a Glance (2026)

Program	Who It Covers	Key Income Limit (1 Person)	Asset Limit
MA – Adults	Ages 19–64	$1,734/month	None
MA – Children	Ages 2–18	$3,586/month	None
MA – Pregnant Women	Pregnant residents	Based on 2-person household	None
MA – ABD	Aged, blind, disabled	$1,305/month	$3,000
MinnesotaCare	Adults 138–200% FPG	$2,609/month	None
Spend-Down	Over-income individuals	Varies	Varies

Last Updated: March 14, 2026
Data Source: Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) and MNsure — Income guidelines effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.
These figures are approximate and for informational use only. Complete an official application at MNsure.org to determine your actual eligibility.