Changes to Medical Assistance Eligibility
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A new federal law is making changes to Medical Assistance (MA) in Minnesota. This page will help you understand what is changing, when changes will happen, and what you may need to do to keep your coverage.
October 1, 2026: Noncitizen Adults
Only noncitizens adults (age 21 or older) who are not pregnant, with the following immigration statuses will be eligible for MA.
- Lawful permanent residents (LPRs or “green card holders”) who satisfy a five-year waiting period or meet an exception to the five-year waiting period
- Cuban or Haitian entrants
- Compact of Free Association (COFA) migrants – people who are citizens of Micronesia, Palau and the Marshall Islands.
IMPORTANT: Children under age 21 who are lawfully present and people who are pregnant regardless of their immigration status will still be eligible for MA.
January 1, 2027: Work Requirements
People ages 21 to 64 who do not live with their children under age 19, are not pregnant, are not American Indian or Alaska Native, and are not receiving MA based on a disability.
Starting in 2027, adults (ages 21 to 64) who do not live with their children under age 19 will need to report work, school, volunteering, work program, or an exemption to get or keep MA coverage. Learn more about who may be affected, what qualifying activities count, what the exemptions are, and what you can do now to help keep your coverage.
IMPORTANT: This does not apply to individuals who are pregnant, are American Indian or Alaska Native, or are receiving MA based on a disability.
January 1, 2027: Six-Month Renewals
People ages 21 to 64 who do not live with their children under age 19, are not pregnant, are not American Indian or Alaska Native, and are not receiving MA based on a disability.
Starting in 2027, these MA enrollees will need to renew their coverage every six months instead of once a year. Learn more about who may be affected, what notices to watch for, and how to avoid a gap in coverage.
Helpful Links
You may receive a notice in the mail from DHS with additional information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about federal changes to Medicaid here.
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Am I impacted by the changes to Medical Assistance (MA) eligibility for noncitizens?
Starting October 1, 2026 only noncitizens adults (age 21 or older) who are not pregnant, with the following immigration statuses will be eligible for MA:
- Lawful permanent residents (LPRs or “green card holders”) who satisfy a five-year waiting period or meet an exception to the five-year waiting period
- Cuban or Haitian entrants
- Compact of Free Association (COFA) migrants – people who are citizens of Micronesia, Palau and the Marshall Islands.
There are no changes to coverage for children and pregnant people:
Pregnant people may qualify for Medical Assistance (MA) during pregnancy and 12-months postpartum regardless of immigration status.
Children under age 21 who have a lawfully present status may qualify for MA.
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Am I impacted by the changes to Medical Assistance (MA) eligibility for adults?
People ages 21 to 64 who do not live with their children under age 19, are not pregnant, are not American Indian or Alaska Native, and are not receiving Medical Assistance (MA) based on a disability are impacted by this change.
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What do I need to do now?
Report changes such as pregnancy, income or household member changes, or immigration status changes to your county or Tribal agency.
Watch your mail for important information and keep your address, phone number and email up to date.
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4. Will I transition directly to another health care program automatically?
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Still have questions?
If your question isn’t answered or if you need assistance with your application, please contact us.
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A Portico MNsure Navigator can help you to access health care during pregnancy.
Portico Maternal and Child Health services are supported by generous support from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Connecting Kids to Coverage Campaign and the Minnesota Department of Health’s Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative.
