How Minnesota’s Medical Assistance (MA) is Changing due to Federal Law Changes

Nothing has changed yet, but now is a good time to get informed and prepared. New federal requirements began rolling out October 1, 2026, with additional changes beginning in 2027.  These changes will not affect everyone, and what applies to you will depend on your individual circumstances.

You do not need to panic or make changes to your coverage today. Now is a good time to learn what may be changing, make sure your contact information is current and watch for important notices from Minnesota DHS.

What Should I know About the Minnesota Medical Assistance (MA) Changes?

TIMELINE: What’s Changing

  • October 1, 2026 – Changes for Certain Noncitizen Adults:

    This change applies to noncitizen adults age 21 or older who are not pregnant, with certain immigration statuses such as refugees, asylees, Afghan and Ukrainian humanitarian parolees, trafficking victims and battered noncitizens. They will not be eligible for MA starting Oct. 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.

    Note, children under age 21 who are lawfully present and people who are pregnant regardless of their immigration status will still be eligible for MA.

    Learn More

  • January 1, 2027 – Work & Community Engagement 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, these adults 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.

    Learn More

  • 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.

    Learn More

  • January 1, 2028 – Changes to Retroactive Coverage:

    Federal law will shorten how far back MA can pay for covered medical bills before a person applies. However, Minnesota will continue offering three months of retroactive coverage through 2027 using state funding, delaying the federal law impact for Minnesotans until Jan. 1, 2028. Learn why applying early, renewing on time and avoiding coverage gaps will matter even more.

    Learn More

  • NOT EVERYONE WILL BE AFFECTED.
    Your circumstances determine which changes,
    if any, apply to you.

Need Help?

Medical Assistance (MA) coverage and eligibility are determined through Minnesota’s health care program and the county or Tribal agency handling your case.

If you have questions about your MA eligibility, coverage, renewal or what you need to provide, contact your county or Tribal Human Services agency. They can help answer questions about your individual case and coverage.

Official Minnesota Department of Human Services Resource Links

Fillmore County Goodhue County Houston County Wabasha County Winona County
Social Services Health & Human Services Human Services Social Services Human Services
902 Houston St NW 426 West Ave 304 S. Marshall St 411 Hiawatha Drive E 202 W. 3rd St
Preston, MN 55965 Red Wing, MN 55066 Caledonia, MN 55921 Wabasha, MN 55981 Winona, MN 55987
507-765-2175 651-385-3200 507-725-5811 651-565-3351 or 507-457-6500 or
1-888-315-6815 1-844-317-8960
Fax: 507-765-3895 Fax: 651-267-4679 Fax: 507-725-3990 Fax: 651-565-3084 Fax: 507-454-9381