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Minnesota Health Insurance Options

Minnesota residents have public and private options for health insurance. The state offers Medicaid, a federally subsidized health program, as well as a broader public insurance program known as MinnesotaCare, which is available to residents based on family size and income. A private insurance market also exists, and many companies in the state offer health insurance benefits as well.

  1. Private Insurance

    • A variety of private companies offer health plans in Minnesota. The major providers include Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Avera Health Plans, Health Partners, Medica, Preferred One and UCare Minnesota, which offers Medicare supplemental insurance. These insurance companies set rates according to your age, overall health condition and the level of deductible and copay percentage that you choose. The Minnesota Department of Health maintains information on, and attempts to resolve, complaints against insurance companies doing business in the state.

    MinnesotaCare

    • MinnesotaCare is health insurance partially subsidized by a tax on hospitals and medical providers. If employed, applicants must show either that their employer does not offer health coverage, or pays less than half the cost of the plan. Insurance is provided by various health plans taking part in the program by offering MinnesotaCare coverage. Premiums are set on a sliding scale according to household income, which is limited according to age, disability, household size, pregnancy and other parameters.

    Medical Assistance

    • The state also offers a Medicaid program known as Medical Assistance (MA) for those whose household income is at or below 75 percent of the federal poverty line. In addition, applicants must not have children under 21 in the household, and must have income of less than $677 a month for individuals or $911 a month for married couples. There is no premium charged for Medical Assistance.

    Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association

    • A nonprofit organization known as the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association (MCHA) offers policies to those with a pre-existing medical condition whose applications have been turned down by an insurance company. The MCHA was created in 1976 by the state legislature to serve as the insurer of last resort for consumers who fall into a high-risk category, or who have exhausted their COBRA continuation coverage from a previous employer. In addition, if you are over 65 and not eligible for Medicare, then you can obtain health insurance through MCHA.

    Employer Rules

    • By state law, employers must provide employees an option to purchase health insurance with pretax earnings. By this rule, even if a company does not extend health insurance, its workers can more easily afford health insurance on their own. Employers may apply with the state for an exemption from this rule.

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